Ageing & Disability Commission meeting update
24 February 2025
The year’s first É«ÀÇÉçÇømeeting for members at the Ageing & Disability Commission (ADC) took place at Parramatta on Thursday 20 February 2025. Your É«ÀÇÉçÇøOrganiser, Senior Organiser and Industrial Officer all attended to discuss current issues and plan the year ahead.
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøclarified we will be reaching out to the new Commissioner, when announced, to establish a Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) for the ADC. JCCs are a valuable forum for highlighting the employee voice, for discussion on various matters affecting the membership and as a way to find solutions.
Flexible work
Members from across ADC raised issues with access to flexibility, and that opportunities for working flexibly are applied differently team to team. Others also raised privacy concerns with the approval process, with the personal circumstances of those applying for a Flexible Work Arrangement being shared up the chain for approval.
Many Members were already aware of the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Better Ways of Working Flexible Work Policy currently in draft and due to be implemented soon and will apply to staff working at the ADC.
Workplace Adjustment Passport
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøencourages members experiencing difficulty accessing flexible work to apply through the DCJ’s Workplace Adjustment Passport. This process was set up to support those in the Public Service working with disability, but has since been successfully applied to those requesting a Flexible Working Arrangement for personal needs or caring responsibilities. These requests are also monitored and approved via DCJ HR.
Further information about the Workplace Adjustment Passport process can be found below:
- Workplace Adjustment Policy
- User Guide – Endorsing a Workplace Adjustment Passport
- Workplace Adjustment Passport – Employee Conversation Guide
- Workplace Adjustment Passport – Manager Conversation Guide
É«ÀÇÉçÇømembers who require general advice or support should contact the Member Support Centre in the first instance.
Workload and forfeited hours
High workloads resulting in forfeited hours without paid overtime or the option to take flex leave were raised by several members. The É«ÀÇÉçÇøurges members to accurately record their working hours and to flag with their supervisor when they risk forfeiting leave for time worked so a plan for taking leave (or paid overtime) can be arranged.
Excessive travel allowance
É«ÀÇÉçÇøMembers who travel long distances during the course of their work are encouraged to review clause 27 Excess Travelling Time from the Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Reviewed Award link . This may apply to you.
É«ÀÇÉçÇøtraining
É«ÀÇÉçÇømembers are entitled to 12 days of paid trade union leave every two years. There are upcoming sessions for Role of the Delegate this month. The timetable can be found on our website and HERE, you can also email for more information.
Contacts
Donna Anderson-Waite Delegate