Page 1448 - Week 05 - Thursday, 18 June 2020
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Questions without notice taken on notice
Business––COVID-19
Mr Barr (in reply to a supplementary question by Mr Wall on Thursday, 7 May 2020):
Restrictions for real estate and open homes were eased on 8 May 2020. Further information is available at https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/faqs/faqs-changes-to-restrictions-8-may-2020#Real-Estate-and-Open-Homes.
Emergency services—COVID-19
Mr Barr (in reply to a supplementary question by Mr Coe on Thursday, 7 May 2020):
The ACT Public Service has adapted quickly and effectively to significant changes in working conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. To support this, a suite of guidance material has been produced providing advice about working from home; how social distancing and hygiene measures can be implemented in specific work environments; and managing the psychosocial hazards that may arise from the sudden changes to work. No changes to EBAs were required to facilitate these changes.
For hospital nursing staff parameters were provided for those who were at a potentially greater risk of complications from COVID-19 along with areas that were identified as higher risk COVID-19 zones. Discussions were held with any staff who expressed concern or were at a potentially greater risk and, where appropriate, the option to be redeployed to another area or transition to work from home was provided.
Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) centralised the management and coordination of all COVID-19 leave within its People and Capability Branch and each case has been assessed based on individual merit. Employees who were a primary carer for a school aged child have, largely negotiated local arrangements that enable them to work remotely and flexibly. Where flexible work has not been practicable given the nature of the role, COVID-19 leave has been extended through the centralised HR arrangements.
TCCS has taken proactive steps to communicate with, and actively support, its employees in accessing their entitlements. This has been led through Director-General messaging, regular workforce engagement, pulse surveys, safety assessments, consultation with union officials and the establishment of a Human Resources hotline and a 1800 hotline staffed 24/7 by registered nurses.
The Education Directorate has undertaken extensive consultation with the Australian Education Union in relation to staff entitlements and working arrangements to support the teaching workforce as we manage our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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