In March, my Government announced it had gazetted Friday 7 September 2007 as a local holiday for the majority of local government areas within the Greater Sydney Area to support the smooth management of the APEC 2007 Leaders Conference.

Whilst many awards and agreements covering NSW public sector employees set out the entitlements for local holidays, the provisions vary markedly. Additionally, many awards covering workers in the private sector do not provide for local holidays.

Therefore, to ensure that 7 September 2007 is regarded as a public holiday for all workers covered by NSW state awards, the Industrial and Other Legislation Amendment (APEC Public Holiday) Act 2007 (the Act) has been enacted. For public sector employees whose normal place of work is within the APEC holiday zone, this means that public holiday provisions of the relevant award or agreement will apply to 7 September 2007 and not local holiday provisions.

The Act also deems 7 September 2007 to be a public holiday for the purposes of the Long Service Leave Act 1955. Similarly, 7 September 2007 is to be treated as a public holiday for the purposes of extended leave for public servants.

Public sector employees working in areas outside the APEC holiday zone may be impacted. For example, their child's school maybe in the holiday zone and closed for the day. Agencies are encouraged to implement flexible working arrangements to enable such staff to respond to their family responsibilities, including allowing an additional flex day to be taken that period, provided the hours are accrued, or extending the settlement period.

Security and other arrangements which may cause disruption and affect transport, will be progressively implemented throughout the Sydney CBD and Darling Harbour areas during the APEC 2007 Leaders Week of 2 to 9 September. To reduce congestion in these areas, agencies are encouraged to allow staff to take leave during this period, provided that essential services are maintained.

The Act can be viewed on www.legislation.nsw.gov.au The APEC holiday zone details can be obtained by www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au Information about APEC 2007 Leaders Week can be obtained from www.apec2007.org

Morris Iemma MP
Premier

Issued : Workforce Policy and Advice (Public Employment Office)
Contact: Cathryn Hellams, Manager, Employment Relations Policy and Advice
EMail: [email protected]
Telephone no: 9228 3531 Facsimile: 9228 4056
File no: PSM/10586
Date: 18 July 2007
This memorandum has not superseded any other Memorandum