Management at Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development & Communications

Managers are very approachable, and are always prepared to go out of their way to help others develop. My Supervisors particularly, have taken a big interest in my development as a graduate - I have developed great friendships in and outside of the office. Performance feedback is also accurate and encouraging.

I think the quality of managers in my workplace varies a lot. I have had really good managers who make good mentors and I have had very poor managers.

I have had great experiences with the management in the Department. Whilst the Department is hierarchical, there is a good flow of communication and positive feedback from the management.

APS structures are very formal, and there is generally a priority placed upon development. Managers are accessible up until the higher ranking (SES), and even they will make time for you.

Managers are very friendly and eager to talk to you. Praise and recognition is given appropriately. Very accessible managers.

Supervisor relations and work performance discussions are incredibly supportive instead of punitive. My two immediate bosses are very accessible and the more senior executive corresponds and meets with the entire Department regularly.

Immediate supervisors (EL1) and Directors (EL2) are accessible for the average team member. Depending on your work area, the General Manager (SES Band 1) of an area is usually accessible. I have been fortunate in that the three tiers of management above me have been accessible and welcoming.

Due to the hierarchical structure in our organisation, some senior managers are accessible but many are somewhat isolated as 'senior executive'. Team managers are generally very accessible and provide advice and mentoring. Our area has considerable communication materials, including regular news emails and face-to-face meetings with senior executives. We also have a structured performance management framework that all employees are required to use during the FY cycle. How well your process works depends on your own manager's attitude. Generally, there is recognition of work done, but it is part of structured awards or meetings.

Managers have always been happy to talk to me, provide me with career guidance and are generally friendly and amiable people.

Generally, the communication is pretty good. However, this has been strained somewhat due to management's approach to enterprise bargaining negotiations.

Managers proactively seek to communicate and help out graduates. They highly value graduates and new staff alike.

Middle management are generally quite available in my experience. Senior executives are always busy (understandably) so are less accessible. The Department has management systems in place for individual performance, and a number of series of meetings and communication channels for internal distribution of information

My direct managers are very approachable, casual, have excellent communication skills and are consistently open about performance.