Source: PSA
The Government’s restructure of the public service has achieved little more than hurting people and encouraging more of our brightest to head to Australia.
“Her comments today are insensitive and hurtful to the lives of thousands of public service workers her government has axed so it can cut taxes for landlords and big tobacco,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet – they’re skilled, experienced people who understand how to make government work for New Zealanders. Many have taken their expertise to Australia where they’re valued.
“The Minister talks about savings and rebalancing, but what she won’t talk about is the long-term damage being done to New Zealand’s ability to face the critical challenges ahead.
“We’re cutting experienced policy analysts, managers and administrators at exactly the time we need them most to tackle an ageing population, climate change and our infrastructure deficit.
“The Government claims frontline roles have increased, but our members on the ground tell a different story. Frontline workers are being asked to do more with less support, taking on administrative work that used to be done by the very back-office roles the Minister has axed.
“This is why thousands of health workers and others are striking on 23 October to send a loud and clear message to the Government that its priorities are all wrong and it should be investing more in the public service to deliver to the needs of New Zealanders.
“Spending $80.4 million on redundancy payments to get rid of experienced public servants is a false economy. You can’t build a stronger New Zealand by gutting the public service of the very people who help deliver the services Kiwis rely on.
“New Zealanders deserve a public service with the capacity and expertise to deliver the services they need to get ahead and improve their health and wellbeing. Instead, we’re watching that capability walk out the door.”
