Public service staff get given five days of paid leave to grieve the Voice to Parliament result

The defeat of the Voice to Parliament referendum has been brutal for many people in Australia.

Citizens took to the polls last weekend to decide whether to establish an advisory body that would consult the government on issues related to First Nations people.

It would have also enshrined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Constitution.

A little more than 60 per cent of the country voted against the proposal, meaning two-fifths of Australians didn't get what they wanted.

Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

For some, it was a massive slap in the face.

Queensland is doing its bit to help those who might be struggling in the wake of the result and is offering public servants five days of paid leave to look after their mental health.

The Courier Mail has obtained an email that was sent out by Public Sector Commissioner David Mackie.

The correspondence encourages department heads to be wary of staff morale, particularly those who are First Nations, and offer time off if they needed it.

"To help ensure this is realised, employees who are experiencing challenges with their social and emotional wellbeing at this time, such that they feel that they should not attend the workplace, should be supported in accessing appropriate leave entitlements to look after their health and wellbeing," the Commissioner reportedly said.

"Some employees may also choose to return to country and their local communities to support each other in grieving the outcome of the referendum.

Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

"Employees may be able to seek access to paid special leave for this period.

"Delegates can exercise discretion to approve such leave, if appropriate."

This type of leave is usually unpaid, however staff have been given the chance to take time off while still receiving their salary due to the significance of the referendum.

The Courier Mail says bosses should also allow staff flexible working working arrangements to accomodate staff who might travel home to spend time with their family.

This move comes despite the majority of Queenslanders voting no in the referendum.

The Queensland electorate of Maranoa had the highest no vote in the country with 84.7 per cent, and only three electorates in the whole of the Sunshine State voted yes.

LADbible has reached out to Queensland's Public Sector for comment.

Topics: Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Senior Journalist at LADbible. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign. He is in charge of the LADbible Australia editorial content and social presence.

@stewartperrie