Work-life balance and flexibility
Disclaimer: The positions outlined on this page are proposals only and remain subject to ongoing bargaining. These positions are subject to change through bargaining and do not represent final agreed outcomes or create new employee entitlements.
We understand just how important flexibility and work-life balance is to all APS employees. In the 2026 APS Employment Conditions survey, workplace flexibility was the condition employees were most satisfied with, at 79%. These proposed positions protect what is already working well, while looking for opportunities to give employees greater choice, certainty and support in managing work alongside life outside of work.
Clearer and more consistent arrangements help employees navigate changing circumstances and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal commitments. They also help the APS attract and retain skilled people and support a productive, flexible and adaptable workforce.
These positions are not final; we are still working with bargaining representatives on drafting and negotiating in good faith.
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To find out more about the Commonwealth’s preliminary position on work-life balance and flexibility, contact your APS bargaining representative or Agency Lead Negotiator.
Flexible working arrangements
Flexible work is one of the most valued parts of the APS employment offer, whether that is changes to your hours of work, patterns of work or location of work (including working from home). What we heard is clear: flexibility matters to APS employees. Flexible working arrangements allow you to appropriately balance work commitments and operational requirements with caring responsibilities, personal commitments and the priorities that matter outside of work.
The last bargaining round delivered a strong common approach to flexible work across the APS, including a bias towards yes and no fixed caps on the number of days employees can request to work flexibly.
The Commonwealth is proposing to preserve these arrangements, so you continue to benefit from a flexible work framework that considers your individual circumstances while recognising the different roles and operational needs across agencies.
Maintaining these arrangements protects the progress already made and keeps flexibility as a strong part of the APS employment offer.