As bushfires continue to burn across NSW, we want to make sure you’re aware of the leave options available to you if your area is affected by the fires.
For more information about support for volunteers, defence reservists and those affected by the bushfires please read the Bushfire leave provisions fact sheet.
Employees affected by bushfires
If you can’t get to work because of the fires, eg. due to road closures, or if you’re staying at home to protect your property, you may be able to use Family and Community Service Leave to cover the period of the emergency. This includes our people who need to care for their children due to school closures.
If you don’t have enough Family and Community Service Leave to cover the period you’re away from work, People and Culture have approved the granting of additional Special Leave at your manager’s discretion. Approval of additional Special Leave will be granted if your manager or supervisor agrees that the absence is absolutely necessary. If in doubt, you should provide confirmation from the local authorities.
If you’re working somewhere different to your usual work location and can’t return home due to road closures, you may be granted Special Leave and/or time off in lieu. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses may also be approved where appropriate.
Emergency services volunteers
If you assist the emergency services you will be granted unlimited Special Leave on full pay for the time you are away from work. When you come back to work, you’ll need to provide proof of attendance certified by an appropriate representative of the emergency service you were volunteering with. Wherever possible, the times you attended should be shown.
Special Leave for these employees to rest and recover may be also granted before you return to your normal work duties. The duration of the rest period should be agreed with your manager or supervisor. No overtime payments can be approved for any time spent assisting the emergency services.
Managing fatigue
For people who are working or volunteering during these catastrophic conditions, it is important to be aware of the signs of fatigue and take steps to manage it.
It is important to take rest and meal breaks, stay well hydrated and talk to your supervisor if you foresee or experience being impaired by fatigue. Take precautions when driving or consider access to accommodation options to avoid driving while fatigued.
As bushfires continue to burn across NSW, we want to make sure you’re aware of the leave options available to you if your area is affected by the fires.
For more information about support for volunteers, defence reservists and those affected by the bushfires please read the Bushfire leave provisions fact sheet.
Employees affected by bushfires
If you can’t get to work because of the fires, eg. due to road closures, or if you’re staying at home to protect your property, you may be able to use Family and Community Service Leave to cover the period of the emergency. This includes our people who need to care for their children due to school closures.
If you don’t have enough Family and Community Service Leave to cover the period you’re away from work, People and Culture have approved the granting of additional Special Leave at your manager’s discretion. Approval of additional Special Leave will be granted if your manager or supervisor agrees that the absence is absolutely necessary. If in doubt, you should provide confirmation from the local authorities.
If you’re working somewhere different to your usual work location and can’t return home due to road closures, you may be granted Special Leave and/or time off in lieu. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses may also be approved where appropriate.
Emergency services volunteers
If you assist the emergency services you will be granted unlimited Special Leave on full pay for the time you are away from work. When you come back to work, you’ll need to provide proof of attendance certified by an appropriate representative of the emergency service you were volunteering with. Wherever possible, the times you attended should be shown.
Special Leave for these employees to rest and recover may be also granted before you return to your normal work duties. The duration of the rest period should be agreed with your manager or supervisor. No overtime payments can be approved for any time spent assisting the emergency services.
Managing fatigue
For people who are working or volunteering during these catastrophic conditions, it is important to be aware of the signs of fatigue and take steps to manage it.
It is important to take rest and meal breaks, stay well hydrated and talk to your supervisor if you foresee or experience being impaired by fatigue. Take precautions when driving or consider access to accommodation options to avoid driving while fatigued.