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STATE BUDGET 2008
The Treasurer, the Hon Kevin Foley, today handed down the State Budget. Significant elements of the Budget announcement are well known, having been selectively issued to the media by the Government over the past week or so, and accordingly, are not repeated here. PSA President Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary Jan McMahon and Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher attended today’s Budget lock up where briefings and full documentation have been provided. While noting the well publicised announcements by Government regarding infrastructure and child protection, as well as some agency specific funding, PSA’s main concern continues to be adequate staffing levels. It’s all well and good to talk about launching a massive infrastructure program – but finding the people to do the work has been made more difficult because of Government’s attitude to its workforce. For years now Government has employed staff on short term contracts, which has had the effect of large turnover and skills loss. We are now facing an enormous skills crisis, escalated by our rapidly ageing public sector workforce, which must be dealt with as a matter of urgency. The bottom line is that for the community to receive a full range of services the Government must employ and retain skilled staff. A full analysis of the Budget will now occur. Feedback from members is sought, particularly regarding the often hidden impact upon members or the community. The PSA is following up conflicting statements where the Treasurer states there will be job cuts while the Under Treasurer states there will not be cuts. 5 June 2008 |
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