Latest updates
- Connecting Us Edition 13 | 17 December 2020
- Connecting Us Edition 12 | 26 November 2020
- Connecting Us Edition 11 | 5 November 2020
- Connecting Us Edition 10 | 15 October 2020
- Circular 2020/9: Returning to Usual Workplaces
- Frequently Asked Questions for employees - Returning to Usual Workplaces
- Connecting Us Edition 9 | 24 September 2020
- Connecting Us Edition 8 | 8 September 2020
- Connecting Us Edition 7 | 7 August 2020
- Information for workers from Australian Government Agencies, services and programs visiting remote communities
- The National Framework for Public Sector Mobility has been developed to facilitate successful rapid surge mobility across jurisdictions. It will enable our public sectors to continue to respond to the unprecedented challenges COVID-19 has presented, and the continued delivery of critical services to Australians, when they need them most. The framework was endorsed by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Public Service Commissioners on 30 July 2020. This will be supported by a suite of material for effective implementation between jurisdictions. | 30 July 2020
Key messages to the APS
- Open Letter to the Australian Public Service from PM&C Secretary Philip Gaetjens and APS Commissioner Peter Woolcott | 04 September 2020
- Open Letter to the APS - PM&C Secretary Philip Gaetjens and APS Commissioner Peter Woolcott AO | 01 May 2020
- Open Letter to the APS from PM&C Secretary Philip Gaetjens and APS Commissioner Peter Woolcott AO | 09 April 2020
- Open Letter to the APS on the APS Workforce Management Taskforce from APS Commissioner Peter Woolcott AO | 26 March 2020
Read the latest news from The Department of Health. Watch out for current health warnings.
Information about the COVIDSafe App is also available on the Department of Health website.
Information for APS employees
Returning to usual workplaces
The Australian Public Service Commissioner, Peter Woolcott AO, on September 2020 released new guidance for public servants in returning to their usual (pre-COVID) workplaces.
The following information is currently available to assist APS employees
- Circular 2020/9: Returning to Usual Workplaces
- Frequently Asked Questions for employees - Returning to Usual Workplaces
- APSC COVID-19 Meeting actions infographic (PDF 560kb)
- APSC COVID-19 Meeting actions infographic (Word 175kb)
- APSC COVID-19 Work arrangements infographic (PDF 390kb)
- APSC COVID-19 Work arrangements infographic (Word 82.3kb)
Mobility arrangements during COVID-19
The Prime Minister has asked APS Agency Heads to identify their most critical functions and the work that can be slowed or paused for a short time. The purpose is to identify APS staff who can mobilise across government functions to maintain our most critical functions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Circular 2020/6: Temporary mobility arrangements as part of the continued response to COVID-19 | 08 May 2020
- APS Workforce Management Frequently Asked Questions |11 May 2020
- APS Workforce Management Taskforce - Secondment Memorandum of Understanding (Word 254kb)
- APS Workforce Management Taskforce Standard secondment terms and conditions (PDF 182kb)
Leave arrangements during COVID-19
Circular 2020/1: COVID-19 leave arrangements provides guidance to:
- assist in addressing employee questions about COVID-19 and what response the employer may take; and
- guide decision making around attendance at work and accessing leave provisions, if employees present with symptoms or indicate they are at risk of having been exposed to COVID-19.
APS employees who contract the coronavirus
If an employee is displaying symptoms, they should speak with their manager, go home and contact either their GP or Health Direct on 1800 022 222.
If the employee has insufficient credits to cover the medically advised period, paid Discretionary Leave (or equivalent) should be provided. Refer to Circular 2020/1: COVID-19 leave arrangements for additional information.
COVIDsafe workplaces
Safe Work Australia has current advice in relation to COVID-19 information for workplaces, including physical distancing and hygiene measures for office environments and the use of lift facilities.
Safe Work Australia also provides a useful overview of how employer and employee duties under the WHS Act relate to COVID-19.
Comcare has compiled guidance, resources and practical tips to support employers and employees.
The latest health guidance is available on the Department of Health website.
Australia.gov.au is the official Australian Government response website to provide support and updates to Australians on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Work travel advice for visiting remote communities
The guidance Information for workers from Australian Government Agencies, services and programs visiting remote communities aims to protect people in remote communities by minimising the risk of introduction of COVID-19 into those communities. The guidance provides a risk management approach designed to limit non-essential travel to remote communities and ensure stringent health protocols for Australian Government workers engaging in essential travel.
This guidance is supported by a Risk Management Plan for Australian Government Agencies for Government worker travel to remote communities.
Additional advice
Agencies seeking further information can contact covid19 [at] apsc.gov.au