Premier & Cabinet

Type:
Premier's Memorandum
Identifier:
M2002-01
Status:
Archived

M2002-01 Leave for Staff Affected by the Bush Fire Emergency

Description

This Memorandum has superseded M2011-04, M2010-15, M2010-14, M2010-10, M2010-09, M2010-05, M2010-04, M2009-21, M2009-18, M2009-14, M2009-06, M2009-08, M2008-25, M2008-19, M2008-16, M2008-12, M2008-11, M2008-03, M2007-19, M2007-11, M2007-09, M2007-06, M2007-03, M2006-14, M2006-07, M2005-15, M2005-11, M2005-01, M2004-07, M2002-23, M2002-20, M2002-01, M2001-15, M2001-06, M2000-13, M1999-20, M1998-40, M1998-05, M1998-04, M1998-03, M1997-30, M1997-25, M1997-23, M1997-21, M1997-17, M1996-24, M1990-29 and M1990-06. Agencies planning or undertaking overseas Read in conjunction with C2002-21. See new addendums C2002-59 and C2009-05

Detailed Outline

As you would be aware, the emergency created by bush fires across NSW requires special consideration and a more flexible approach to possible problems encountered by those employees who volunteered to assist the emergency services or who are otherwise affected by the bush fires.

In view of the extent of the recent emergency, Chief Executive Officers are encouraged to apply flexibly the following provisions as and when required in respect of staff directly affected by the bush fires.

The following arrangements apply to officers, employees and ministerial employees as well as holders of positions in the Senior and Chief Executive Services in organisations covered by Schedule 1 of the Public Sector Management Act 1988.

The Chief Executive Officers of other public sector organisations are urged to extend similar concessions to all affected employees in their organisation.

Staff Who Volunteer To Assist Emergency Services

Staff who assist the emergency services are to be granted special leave on full pay for the time they were absent from duty. There is no limit on the special leave that may be granted in such circumstances. On resumption of duty, such staff should provide proof of attendance certified by an authorised representative of the emergency service to which the staff member was attached. Wherever possible, times of attendance should be shown. (Section 6-19.8 of the Personnel Handbook refers)

Special leave for rest purposes may be granted prior to resumption of duty. The duration of the rest period is to be determined locally and would be expected to be reasonable. No overtime payments apply in respect of any time spent assisting the emergency services.

Staff Affected By The Bush Fires

Staff who were prevented by the bush fires from reporting for duty or who remained at home to protect their family and/or property from the bush fires, may be granted family and community service leave to cover the period of the emergency. (Clause 75, Family and Community Services Leave, Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Award 1997 refers)

Due to the exceptional circumstances Department Heads may extend the affected flexible working hours settlement period by a further 4 weeks. (Clause 20(h) Flexible Working Hours Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Award 1997 refers)

Where an entitlement to family and community service leave is not sufficient to cover the period of absence, additional special leave may be granted at your discretion. The grant of additional special leave is contingent on you being satisfied that the threat to life and/or property was real. If in doubt, staff should be asked to provide confirmation from the local fire authority or the Police. (Section 6-19.2 of the Personnel Handbook refers)

Staff who were performing duty away from their headquarters or usual work location and could not return home due to road closures during the bush fire emergency may be granted special leave and/or time off in lieu, at your discretion. Where appropriate, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses may also be granted.

Bob Carr
Premier

Overview

Compliance

Not Mandatory

AR Details

Date Issued
Jan 2, 2002
Review Date
Jul 5, 2016
Replaces
Replaced By

Contacts

Contact
Contact us
Phone
02 9228 5555
Publishing Entity
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Issuing Entity
Department of Premier and Cabinet