The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal just 57 per cent of the state’s 50,000-strong public service are back in the office despite the government ordering them back at least three days a week.It can also be revealed they are still being paid a generous working from home allowance that is tipped to have cost taxpayers at least $50 million since the beginning of the pandemic.But senior government sources have confirmed the payouts are now under review, and if axed could encourage workers to get back behind their desks.The bonus allowances were introduced in March 2020 and available to all public servants required to work from home.They received a one off payment of $100 for home office expenses and an extra $20 every week for home office consumables and utilities.Staff could also claim taxi fares to take bulky office items home, including chairs or computer monitors, instead of using public transport.The state government has refused to detail how much it has spent on the allowances since it was introduced.Technology Editor at the Australian David Swan says the coronavirus pandemic has facilitated a “culture shift” where people are finding themselves “more productive” working from home. Mr Swan told Sky News companies were able to shift to remote working “so quickly” due technological advancements amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “You’ve got companies like Zoom, a very much a household name now, and we are finding across the workforce tech has really helped us, a lot of at least, stay productive and stay working,” he said. “It’s surprised everybody just how well companies are able to adapt. “In terms of what’s next in what we actually want to keep and hold on to when it comes to remote work, it’s very much an open question – so there are a lot of questions marks over what’s next. “The new normal will be maybe a hybrid mix of some remote work and office work. “But this idea that you can’t be productive if you aren’t in the office is not true.” Forward Slash – a new podcast for forward thinkers – is available now in The Australian mobile app or any podcast player. Forward Slash is presented by The Australian, in partnership with IBM. Image: GettyHowever Freedom of Information documents obtained by the state opposition have revealed the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions had paid out more than $2.8 million.The Department of Treasury and Finance had paid out almost $600,000.All ongoing or fixed term staff and casual employees required to work from home were entitled to the allowance.Official data shows there were 50,474 employees working in the Victorian Public Service as at June 2020.Public servants also locked in a lucrative pay rise amid last year’s ongoing lockdowns, with a new four-year deal that ended a long-running enterprise bargaining dispute.It included annual pay increases, a new mobility payment, increased overtime rates and night shift allowances, and more parental leave.The pay rise for public servants came despite a pay freeze in other state jurisdictions.James Newbury, shadow assistant minister for Scrutiny of Government, slammed the government’s refusal to reveal its total allowance bill.“It is sickening that Daniel Andrews would give public servants a secret work-from-home allowance, whilst refusing to support thousands of small businesses who have been forced to shut up shop,” he said.“To add insult to injury, these secret payments are on top of Daniel Andrews’ mid-pandemic cash splash which delivered a pay rise across the public sector.“The State Labor Government has no shame and will always reward tax spenders, whilst tearing down tax payers.”Small Business Australia executive director Bill Lang said business owners had been unfairly left behind.“Last week the Ombudsman came out and said thousands of small businesses had missed out on government support because of flaws in the rollout of the Business Support Fund.“Now this. Not only did public servants get a pay rise during the year, they got extra allowances, they didn’t have to drive in or use their Myki cards.“But are we seeing an improvement of productivity, given the quality of the implementation of the small business grants program. I don’t think so.”A Department of Premier and Cabinet spokesperson said 57 per cent of all public servants had returned to their original work premises.“The Victorian Public Service has demonstrated its ability to continue uninterrupted service delivery throughout the coronavirus pandemic while working remotely, and the return to office approach will continue to support ongoing flexible working for all VPS employees,” he said.“As per the Victorian Chief Health Officer’s current workplace directions, the VPS are encouraging staff to return to work premises while balancing flexible work options.”shannon.deery@news.com.au
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