More than 9000 public servants at the Immigration Department face random or targeted breathalysing and drug testing in their offices under a tough new workplace regime. DIBP officers are also being told that they must dob-in colleagues they suspect of misconduct, even if it occurs away from the workplace.

The crackdown doesn’t stop at drugs and alcohol use on their day jobs but is expected to see investigations into second jobs, social media use and sloppy appearances among the department's public servants, according to a report in The Canberra Times.

Immigration is the fourth largest public service government department now employing just over 9000 people according to ABS statistics.

Customs has already adopted these policies as part of its ongoing battle to get on top of its internal corruption problems.

A fact-sheet issued to the officers apparently sets out that public servants will be in trouble if caught with a blood alcohol reading above .02 or if they are found to be "impaired" by illegal or prescription drugs while on duty, according to the news report.

The portfolio has zero-tolerance for the possession, use of trafficking of prohibitive drugs and DIBP and ACBPS are alcohol free workplaces," workers were told in a fact sheet.

"Workers found to be in breach of this policy can expect to face serious consequences including code of conduct investigations that can lead to the imposition of sanctions including the termination of employment."

Public sector union the CPSU says in a bulletin sent out to members that the new rules, due to come into force in March, are causing "significant concern" among workers at Immigration with public servants at the department due to begin holding meetings from mid-January to discuss their bosses' decision.

Any work undertaken outside the department, even volunteering for not-for-profit organisations, must be reported to a public servant's bosses and a tough new social media policy will be imposed to prevent both security breaches and embarrassment to the merged department.

"Inappropriate use of social media, social networking services, or official email, instant messaging or online platforms could compromise DIBP staff and Customs workers and potentially their family and friends as well as jeopardise their careers," a briefing note stated.

There will also be a crackdown on sloppily dressed public servants with "dress-down" days banned and a prohibition placed on jeans, non-uniform shorts and revealing mid-riff tops while on the job.

Thongs, casual trainers and ugg boots also make the banned list with Immigration public servants also ordered to go easy on the make-up, cover tattoos and keep the hairstyles conservative.