The Treasurer, Minister Cameron Dick last week announced that Queensland government workers will be given the opportunity to work closer to home as part of a Palaszczuk Government plan to rebalance public service roles in a post-COVID world.

Ms Howard said the plan would give up to 1,500 workers across SEQ the chance to work in an office much closer to their community.

“During this pandemic we’ve seen many thousands of Queenslanders working from home to help halt the spread of COVID,” Ms Howard said.

Now, as restrictions ease and we Unite and Recover for Queensland jobs, we have an opportunity to take a fresh look at the way we work.

“We have some great office space available in Ipswich and I’ve been keen for many years to see them filled with more public servants,” Ms Howard said.

Safe Work Australia advice is that offices provide four square metres per person and physical distancing of 1.5 metres, which will reduce the capacity of many office work spaces.

“Working closer to home means more time spent with your family and less time commuting,” Ms Howard said.

“This announcement is in-line with comments I have made many times since I was elected.

“Many public servants I speak to live in Ipswich but commute to Brisbane.

“I know they will welcome this decision.

“Giving them the opportunity to work closer to home will ease congestion on public transport and roads, provide a boost to the Ipswich economy and will decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

“Regionalising the public service win any way is a win for everyone.”