New South Wales says it will have more top public service people working in the bush by 2023. 

Deputy Premier John Barilaro has unveiled the state’s new Regional Workforce Principles.

The project will move decision-making out of Sydney, imposing a “greater geographical spread” of staff across outback communities.

“This announcement will see NSW government public sector roles advertised from any location with ‘regional location encouraged’ and a commitment to increase the proportion of senior government roles in the regions by 2023,” he said.

“One thing we have learned in the past year is that you don’t need to be tethered to a desk in Sydney CBD to do a variety of jobs. It’s essential that the people who work to support this state are living and working in the communities they serve, making connections with locals, experiencing life in the regions and becoming fully immersed in the community.”

Mr Barilaro said regional communities smashed by drought, fires and floods will see more diversity in regional economies and provide job opportunities.

Working hubs are being established in Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo and Queanbeyan.