Queensland civil servants have been offered five days of paid leave if they suffer psychological distress following the failed Voice referendum.
Public sector leaders received an email this week informing them that they could grant workers special leave as well as sick leave.
The message, from Public Sector Commissioner David Mackie, calls on department heads to consider the emotional impact the referendum result would have on Indigenous workers.
He added that the initiative was aimed at ensuring staff members remained mentally healthy.
Queensland civil servants have been offered five days of paid leave if they suffer psychological distress following the failed Voice referendum. Yes, activists seem upset after referendum result
“To ensure this is achieved, employees who are currently experiencing issues with their social and emotional wellbeing, to the point where they feel they should not attend their workplace, should be supported to access appropriate leave entitlements to care for their health and wellbeing,” Mr Mackie wrote in the email seen by the Courier mail.
He continued: “Some employees may also choose to return to their countries and local communities to support each other as they grieve the referendum result.
“Employees may have the opportunity to request access to special paid leave for this period.
“Delegates may exercise their discretion to approve such leave, if appropriate.”
More than 60% of Australian voters voted against the adoption of Voice.
Mr Mackie added that requests for flexible working should also be considered.
Indigenous leaders have pledged to begin a week of mourning following Saturday’s referendum result.
Queensland overwhelmingly rejected the proposal, with just 31 per cent of voters supporting Voice, which would have enshrined an Aboriginal advisory body in the constitution.
More than 60 percent of Australian voters voted against adopting Voice.
