New South Wales Premier Chris Minns’ controversial decision to end home working for public employees has sparked tensions with his uncle, who is the deputy minister of the health department.
The prime minister said on Monday that all civil servants will have to return to the office from Tuesday, ending work-from-home measures introduced in 2019.
Limited flexibility will still be allowed in some cases, such as in work-sharing arrangements or compressed schedules, but most workers will return to the office full-time.
Mr Minns’ uncle, Phil Minns, who has been NSW Deputy Health Minister since 2017, emailed staff on Monday afternoon to say that arrangements to work from home were still possible.
“Please note that the availability of flexible work arrangements is not affected by this Circular,” he said. Daily Telegraph reported.
‘In line with most contemporary workplaces, we recognise that flexible arrangements help attract and retain talented people, particularly with professional responsibilities and other commitments outside of work.
“We value the diversity of our workforce and recognize the benefits of flexibility, while also urging ourselves to maintain an inclusive workforce.”
Mr Phil said the mandate stated that the government’s “initial position is that work is primarily undertaken at an approved workplace in NSW” but did not set out a strict pattern of attendance.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns’ controversial ban on government employees working from home has sparked tensions with his uncle and deputy health minister.
Mr Minns’ uncle, Phil Minns, who has been NSW Deputy Health Minister since 2017, emailed staff on Monday afternoon to say working from home arrangements were still possible.
A NSW government spokesman said the health department, like other agencies, would implement the new mandate.
“Staff have been briefed on the new memo,” they said.
‘Work is underway to implement the MoU and ensure NSW health policies align with it.’
Formal approvals and agreements that include the reason and circumstances for a staff member to work from home must be granted before they can do so under the mandate.
“Government sector agencies are expected to have flexible work policies that accommodate reasonable employee requests, but the default arrangement is to work primarily at an approved worksite, office, or related work site,” the mandate reads.
‘Individual agencies will be responsible for designing and monitoring their policies.’
NSW Transport Secretary Josh Murray is apparently not in favour either, telling staff a taskforce would be set up to ensure flexible working arrangements were still possible.
“We value our people who work in many different locations and environments across New South Wales and will continue to support flexible working arrangements in line with policies and the circular,” Murray said, the publication reported.
‘If you are a frontline worker, this will have little to no impact on the way you work.
‘For our people currently working hybrid, please continue as usual while we review the new requirements through the task force.’