No plans to change state's public service WFH policy

There are no plans to force Queensland public servants back into the office. (David Mariuz/AAP PHOTOS)

There will be no changes to public servant hybrid work arrangements in Queensland amid contrasting views between the Sunshine State's premier and his NSW counterpart.

Steven Miles has flagged the Queensland government has no impetus to change current flexible working arrangements for the public sector.

It follows comments from NSW Premier Chris Minns, who said a return to office and face-to-face work was a "long time coming", four-years after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Mr Minns said his government's directive was about "building up a culture in the public service that's about teamwork, a common and shared sense of purpose, as well as mentoring the next generation of young public servants."

Queensland - the most decentralised state in the nation - will not adopt the same route, with Mr Miles backing flexibility in public service work.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles (file image)
Steven Miles says working arrangements are based on the needs of each workplace.

"We don't have any plans at this stage to change the current arrangements," Mr Miles said on Thursday.

"I understand New South Wales is in a somewhat different position to Queensland.

"Our economy continues to be strong, our CBD has come back more strongly and, of course, as of this week, we're starting to see public transport usage closer to those pre-COVID levels.

"Those arrangements are generally based on negotiations in each workplace and based on the needs of each workplace."

A Tourism and Transport Forum report into CBD visitation earlier this year showed Perth was the most recovered capital city for workers.

Brisbane’s CBD only trails Melbourne and Sydney on weekend visitation, exceeding both on every other metric.

Treasurer Cameron Dick has also budgeted belt-tightening of the public service in 2024/25 in a bid to save $3 billion over four years.

The government is set to establish a task force to look at reducing government travel, advertising and accommodation expenditure.

The use of external consultants, contractors and labour hire will also be targeted.

Mr Dick insisted there would be no public sector job losses, with budget papers indicating an 8000-strong boost to the state's public service over the next year, blowing out the workforce total to 267,000 people.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store