Improved Tasmanian State Service standard conditions (26 May 2023)
Dear Colleagues,
As you may be aware, new and improved Tasmanian State Service standard conditions have recently been finalised and approved in the Tasmanian Industrial Commission on (2 May 2023).
This significant body of work is the culmination of months of negotiation and collaboration between the State Service Management Office (SSMO), State Service Agencies and the public sector unions.
As Head of the State Service, it is important to me that our working conditions continue to attract people to jobs and careers within the Tasmanian State Service. There are several changes that I am particularly proud of as they truly reflect a contemporary State Service, and the diverse community in which we live, work and deliver services for all Tasmanians.
Some of these include:
NEW: Aboriginal Cultural Leave and Aboriginal Family Relationships
Aboriginal Cultural Leave is paid leave available to employees who need time off work to participate in Aboriginal cultural practices and meet cultural expectations as an active Aboriginal community member.
Additionally, Personal (Carers) Leave, Family Violence Leave and Compassionate and Bereavement Leave have been expanded to recognise Aboriginal Family Relationships. These may include immediate family, extended family, kinship and cultural community relationships. This change recognises that Aboriginal employees may have members of their family that do not fall under the original definition of ‘immediate family’.
For more information, see the Aboriginal Cultural Leave Fact Sheet
NEW: Disability Leave
Disability Leave is paid leave available to employees living with a long-term physical or psychological disability who need to be absent from work for activities associated with their disability. This can include attending appointments, treatment, rehabilitation, and/or maintaining personal equipment, but there are other activities that may also apply.
For more information, see the Disability Leave Fact Sheet
NEW: Gender Affirmation Leave
Gender Affirmation Leave is paid leave available to employees who need time off work to undergo the process of affirming their gender. This can include (but is not limited to) medical or psychological appointments, hormonal appointments, surgery, and appointments to update any legal documentation related to gender identity.
For more information, see the Gender Affirmation Leave Fact Sheet
NEW and UPDATED: Family and flexible leave provisions
Parental Leave now includes Grandparent Leave where grandparents are the primary caregivers. There has also been an increase to the length of paid leave available to new parents from 16-18 weeks. Additionally, terminology has been updated to reflect modern family dynamics.
Paid Foster and Kinship Leave has been introduced for employees who provide care to a child or young person.
Surrogacy Leave is now available to employees who are acting as a surrogate in a formal surrogacy arrangement.
For more information, see the Family and Flexible Leave Fact Sheet
You'll find the full list of new and improved Tasmanian State Service standard conditions, on the SSMO web page. A number of fact sheets (linked above) and supporting guidelines also available on the SSMO web page have been developed to assist with understanding and implementation of these new standards.
As one of the largest employers in Tasmania, it is critical that the TSS leads the way in supporting and encouraging contemporary, inclusive workplaces that value diversity and support our people to deliver important services every day. I encourage you to take a moment to read the guides and speak with your managers or People and Culture contacts if you have questions about this update.
Best wishes
Jenny Gale
Head of the State Service
Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet
26 May 2023