The Australian Public Service Commissioner has responded to a week-long lockdown in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), directing APS Agencies and Departments to information on the APSC website relating to employees required to work from home.
The APS employs 56,600 staff members in the ACT.
APS Commissioner Peter Woolcott said Agencies and many of their employees in the ACT would move to working from home arrangements, although others, such as Services Australia employees, would continue to work from their usual workplaces to deliver essential services.
“There is a range of information on the APSC website available to assist Agencies and their employees,” Mr Woolcott said.
“Ultimately decisions about working from home or usual workplaces will be a matter for each Agency head, taking into account operational requirements and the ability to continue serving Government and the public,” he said.
“The APS has become adept at remote work over the course of the pandemic and has been doing so at various locations and times over the past 18 months.”
Mr Woolcott said the Chief Operating Officers’ Committee met last week (12 August) to discuss COVID-19 developments in the ACT, with a focus on business continuity; the safety and wellbeing of employees; and ensuring essential public services could continue to be delivered.
“I thank APS Agencies and our people for their cooperation and flexibility,” he said.
“Your efforts are much valued and appreciated,” Mr Woolcott said.
The APSC information on remote work can be accessed on its website at this PS News link.
