Industrial/Workplace Issue: Flexible Work Requests

The Public Service Association (PSA) is aware of the delays and inconsistent approach taken by Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) in responding to submissions from members on flexible working and Working from Home (WFH) from our Non-Custodial members.

Despite clear directions in a Commissioner’s Memorandum for WFH to be acknowledged and progressed, the response from local management has been inconsistent.  With some areas managing WFH in a better way than other locations.

This has been particularly apparent in regional NSW.

Whilst the PSA understands that operational needs vary between locations, some management appears opposed to any WFH, despite the clear benefits to members and the department.  Including:

• a decrease in unplanned leave;
• improved Key Performance Indicators; and
• a decrease in workplace incidents.

WFH is also a strongly factor in recruitment and retention of professional & experienced staff.

Members can be assured that the PSA has been taking this issue very seriously and has had numerous meetings and conversations with senior management to push this issue forward to an acceptable conclusion.

We met with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Leon Taylor this week, who agrees that a consistent and fair approach to flexible work arrangements and WFH should be taking place across the state.

DC Taylor will be meeting with DC Jen Galouzis and DC Rob Steer to ensure a consistent approach to these issues are taken across all of CSNSW.  The outcome from this meeting will determine our next actions.

In the meantime, we will also be working with CSNSW Employee Relations on individual WFH and flexible working matters.

We will update members on our progress.

Please contact David Gould, Chair of Non Custodial Delegates Committee at for any further comment or feedback.