Public Service Commission

Type:
Public Service Commissioner Circular
Identifier:
PSCC 2020-02
Status:
Archived

PSCC 2020-02 – NAIDOC Week 2020 – Always Was, Always Will Be.

Description

Key Points:

  • NAIDOC Week will be celebrated from 8-15 November 2020 after COVID-19 delay.

  • Agencies should support the release of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to celebrate and participate in annual NAIDOC Week events.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees can access Special Leave to participate in NAIDOC events [Clause 84.9 of the Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Reviewed Award 2009].

  • Non- Aboriginal and Non-Torres Strait Islander employees are encouraged to participate in NAIDOC events and should access other forms of leave or flexible work hours.

  • Employees must seek the agreement of their manager to access leave or flexible work arrangements to participate in NAIDOC Week events.

  • There may be events that are facilitated or sponsored by agencies whereby staff are required to represent their respective agency. In these instances leave is not required to be taken as their representation of the agency at the event would be considered a part of the working day.

  • Agencies are encouraged to fly/display Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander flags alongside the NSW flag on/within their building during NAIDOC Week.

Detailed Outline

NAIDOC Week is an annual event usually held in the first week of July but was delayed this year due to COVID-19. It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to recognise and share the contributions that Aboriginal Australians make to our country and society.

The theme for NAIDOC week 2020 is: Always Was, Always Will Be.

For further information on NAIDOC Week and events in your community, please visit the NAIDOC Week Website.

Please note, NAIDOC events and activities may also occur outside the scheduled NAIDOC Week dates. Managers should take this into consideration when reviewing employee applications for leave during this time.

It is also important to note that some employees may attend events that are not promoted amongst the community and may be family related. It is important for approving managers to understand the significance of activities that employees may be involved in during this time.

Kathrina Lo
Public Service Commissioner

Overview

Who needs to know and/or comply with this?

Advisory Entities (including Boards and Committees)
Councils under the Local Government Act
Departments
Executive agencies related to Departments
Separate agencies
State Owned Corporations
Statutory Authorities/Bodies
Subsidiaries of the NSW Government established under the Corporations Act
Universities

Compliance

Not Mandatory

Contacts

Contact
Phone
Publishing Entity
Public Service Commission
Issuing Entity
Public Service Commissioner