NSW public servants ordered back to office: Family feud erupts after Chris Minns’ order
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns’ controversial decision to stop government workers from working from home has caused tensions with his uncle, who is deputy secretary of the Department of Health.
The prime minister said on Monday that all civil servants must return to the office from Tuesday, ending the work-from-home arrangement introduced in 2019.
In some cases, there will still be limited flexibility, such as job sharing or compressed working hours. However, most employees will return to the office full-time.
Mr Minns’ uncle, Phil Minns, who has been deputy secretary of NSW Health since 2017, sent an email to staff on Monday afternoon to let them know that working from home was still possible.
“Please note that the availability of flexible working arrangements is not affected by this circular,” he said. Daily telegram reported.
‘We believe that flexible arrangements, like most modern workplaces, help attract and retain talented people, especially those with career responsibilities and other commitments outside of work.
‘We value the diversity of our workforce and recognize the benefits of flexibility. At the same time, we insist that our workforce remains inclusive.’
Phil said the mandate stated that the government’s “starting point is that work is primarily carried out at an approved work site in NSW” but did not set out a strict attendance pattern.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns’ controversial ban on government workers working from home has caused tensions with his uncle and the deputy secretary of the Department of Health
Mr Minns’ uncle, Phil Minns, who has been deputy secretary of state for NSW Health since 2017, sent an email to staff on Monday afternoon to say WFH arrangements were still possible
A New South Wales government spokesperson said the Department of Health, along with other agencies, would implement the new mandate.
“Staff have been informed of the new memorandum,” they said.
‘Work is underway to implement the memorandum and ensure NSW Health policy is aligned with it.’
Formal approvals and agreements must be in place, including the reasons and circumstances under which an employee can work from home, before he or she is allowed to do so under the mandate.
“Public bodies are expected to have flexible work policies that accommodate reasonable requests from employees, but the default arrangement is that they work primarily in an approved workstation, office or related workstation,” the mandate states.
‘Individual agencies are responsible for designing and monitoring their policies.’
NSW Transport Minister Josh Murray also appears to be against the proposal, telling staff that a working group would be set up to ensure flexible working arrangements are still possible.
“We value our people who work in many different locations and environments across NSW and will continue to support flexible working arrangements in line with the policy and circular,” Mr Murray said, the release said.
‘If you work on the front line, this has little to no impact on the way you work.
“For our people who are currently working in hybrid mode, we would ask that you continue to do so while we discuss the new requirements through the working group.”