At a recent meeting with the Department, your union discussed new ways of working as your employer highlighted a graduated return to the office.
Department of Customer Service (DCS) management have advised that no roles will operate 100 per cent remotely, and some physical attendance in the workplace will be required. Please note, this does not affect staff operating remotely due to existing injury management plans, reasonable adjustments, or individual flexible working arrangements.
Dependent on the requirements of the team, DCS have confirmed there will be flexibility available for employees. As there is no one-size-fits-all approach for the myriad of DCS roles, it has been left to managers to identify roles where staff will be able to remain productive while working remotely, and roles that require physical workplace attendance.
Members are encouraged to begin this discussion with their manager and communicate their plans to return to the workplace, settling on an appropriate pattern of work with their manager by the 10 January 2022. Any issues or concerns should be raised for consideration during this transition period. If your discussions are not productive, please contact the Member Support Centre on 1300 772 679 or by email at
DCS have advised that the pattern of work agreed with your manager will continue for a four-month trial period.
Compressed Working Week
The PSA are discussing with the Department a proposal to introduce compressed working hours for non-executive staff from January. While the framework for this has yet to be finalised by DCS, the current proposal is for full-time employees, in suitable roles, be able to work their hours in a compressed working week or fortnight (i.e. employees would work a 4-day week or a 9-day fortnight). It is proposed that staff who work a compressed week/fortnight will not be under flexible working hours arrangements.
We are seeking further discussion regarding how this might apply equitably to part-time staff.
The PSA recommends members discuss any questions or concerns with their manager. Should members have any additional concerns or seek further guidance on their manager’s response, please contact the Member Support Centre on 1300 772 679 or by email at so we can provide you with the appropriate assistance.
The PSA will continue to support members both collectively, and those with individual personal circumstances, to ensure the process of returning to offices is fair, safe and takes into account the views of our members.