PSA and delegates Sue Townsend and Trina Leask met with management on 23 October 2024 to discuss the removal of the nine-day fortnight from flexible working options.

We were advised that, as a result of budget constraints, Service NSW has been looking at costs involved in providing coverage for staff taking rostered days off.  The nine-day fortnight has a higher FTE requirement than the standard 10 days as more coverage is required in terms of backfilling and/or covering staff on leave.

Having said that, Service NSW is insisting that this is NOT a blanket ban and it is not being removed as an option. Your employer open to requests for flexibility. Nine-day fortnights will remain an option but will have to be requested. Managers will have to explain, in writing, why they’re not approving.

If you continue to have issues with requesting a nine-day fortnight, please speak with your local Delegate in the first instance.