Police are searching for a convicted murderer who escaped while on work release in Sydney's south.

Mark Whaley failed to return to Parklea Correctional Centre after leaving the jail to attend work release duties at Kirrawee yesterday morning.

Police say the 45-year-old has served 22 years of a 26-year sentence for murder and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Whaley is described as being of Pacific Islander-Maori appearance, about 175 centimetres tall with a solid build, brown hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a high-visibility yellow shirt and blue work shorts.

Police are urging anyone with information about Whaley should call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.