The Premier is keen to make work on a part-time basis widely available in the NSW public sector. There are benefits for both organisations and staff, and the promotion of part-time work is encouraged. Benefits include an increased ability to attract and retain skilled staff, particularly people with family responsibilities, and to provide flexibility in meeting the work needs of both staff and the organisation.

New guidelines, which make part-time work a more attractive option for both management and staff, were issued by the Premier in December, 1990. These guidelines provide the opportunity for management to consider the wider availability and application of part-time work within an organisation.

Through the use of part-time work, it is possible to involve a greater number of people in public sector employment. Some positions lend themselves to being filled by two people, on a job-share arrangement, whilst other positions may be designed to be filled only on a part-time basis. The challenge of managing part-time workers effectively is justified by improved morale and productivity from providing better opportunities for staff to balance work with other commitments.

As the advantages are recognised, part-time work is being accepted as a useful work option, and is being used increasingly throughout the Australian workforce.

Management training courses dealing specifically with the issues surrounding the best use of part-time work, being developed by the Office of Public Management in conjunction with other organisations, will be held later this year. If this area is of interest to your organisation I would encourage attendance by the relevant managers.

In the meantime, as a means of promoting part-time work in the NSW public sector, a statement will be included in the banner heading which precedes composite vacant positions advertisements in both the Public Service Notices

and the metropolitan newspapers. This statement, which will be included from 29 May, 1991, will read:

"Many public sector positions are available on a part-time basis and applications are invited accordingly."

I would therefore encourage you to consider seriously applications from people wishing to work on a part-time basis.

Further advice on this matter may be obtained from Mr Kent Broadhead of the Personnel Policy Division, Office of Public Management on (02) 228 5516.

R. G. Humphry,
Director-General.