The accompanying document Flexible Work Practices Policy and Guidelines details Government policy in relation to the provision of greater flexibility in employment arrangements.

This initiative is directed towards enhanced operational effectiveness and service delivery of public agencies, through the utilisation of flexible work practices that are mutually beneficial and encourage improved employee morale and performance.

The policy is the result of wide consultation and is in line with employment best practice both in Australia and overseas. It is a tangible expression of the Government's commitment to the International Year of the Family and performance improvement.

The policy and guidelines detail a range of flexible work practice options. Chief Executives can approve the introduction of these options. These include part-time work, job sharing, part-time leave without pay, career break schemes, part year employment and variable year employment. In addition, flexible working hour arrangements may be varied. In the case of public service agencies, this may be effected through an enterprise agreement. For short term absences, to increase the flexibility available to agencies and employees, leave for family and community service responsibilities replaces existing short leave arrangements.

It is requested that Ministers ensure that all public agencies within their administration, including authorities outside the public service, adopt flexibility in work practices and encourage the implementation of the options outlined in the guidelines in ways most appropriate to enhanced performance. This includes authorities outside the public service adopting replacement of the current short leave arrangements with family and community service leave arrangements of at least the standard detailed in the Flexible Work Practices Policy and Guidelines.

To assist agencies in introducing employment flexibilities, a series of briefing sessions will be provided by Personnel Policy Division of Premier's Department in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Relations, Employment Training and Further Education and the Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment. Union representatives will also participate. Chief Executives will be forwarded details of these briefings and further support activities shortly.

I request a brief report for each agency by 31 December 1994 on progress to date in introducing flexible work practices and plans for their further introduction. This information should be forwarded to the Director General, Premier's Department. Subsequent reports on this matter will be part of the annual reporting requirements of the Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment commencing with the 1995 reports.

In order to facilitate the implementation of this policy, please nominate a contact in your agency to liaise with Personnel Policy Division. This information and enquiries in relation to this policy should be directed to Vicky Marquis at Personnel Policy Division, Premier's Department on (02 ) 228 5245 or Fax (02) 228 3121. Agency client contact officers at Public Employer Services, Department of Industrial Relations, Employment, Training and Further Education are also available to provide advice and assistance. Enquiries relating to annual reporting requirements should be directed to Scott Dovey on (02) 368 2555 at the Office of the Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment.

John Fahey,
Premier.

This memorandum is superseded by M95-40