The Australian Government has indicated that a formal apology will be issued to members of the Stolen Generations on Wednesday, 13 February 2008. A national Welcome to Country is also planned, as part of the opening ceremony proceedings for Parliament on Tuesday, 12 February.

Chief Executives are asked to remind managers and supervisors to be sensitive in accommodating the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff requiring access to their leave entitlements and flexible work hours to participate in any events planned to mark the official apology. Further details are contained in Chapter 6, Section 13 of the Personnel Handbook available on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website at http://www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/publications/personnel_handbook. These provisions apply to all Public Service Departments.

Agencies are also encouraged, where practicable, to provide facilities to enable staff to view the televised apology.

We encourage all government organisations in the NSW Public Sector including State Owned Corporations to support requests from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff for leave to participate in events, where practicable. To access leave to attend events, employees are required to seek the agreement of the relevant manager.

Robyn Kruk
Director General

Issued: Workforce Planning, Development and Equity, Public Employment Office
Contact: Fatima Abbas, A/Assistant Director, Workforce Planning, Development and Equity
Email: [email protected]
Telephone no: 9228 3130 Facsimile: 9228 4704
File no: PSM/