The Treasurer, the Hon Kevin Foley, delivered the 2007/2008 State Budget on 7 June 2007.

Following the Budget lock-up, PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon attended a briefing by Minister Hill regarding the implications of the Budget on the health portfolio.

The detailed Budget documents totalling several hundred pages are undergoing further detailed analysis.

The Government has maintained a status quo approach to staffing, with a slight increase due to the return of Modbury Hospital to the Public Sector.

Significant additional funding has been provided for Families and Communities, Transport and Health, including the building of the new Marjorie Jackson – Nelson Hospital.

While welcoming additional funding for Health in the 2007/08 Budget, the PSA is concerned with the impact upon regional South Australia.

The PSA was advised that twenty five positions are to be cut in regional health. Furthermore, it is apparent that a number of functions may face amalgamation.

The PSA urgently welcomes feedback from members regarding the impact of Budget announcements, particularly with examples of how changes will affect the community and the services that are provided, together with details of unfilled vacancies.

Please contact your Industrial Officer or Peter Christopher, Chief Industrial Officer via email pgc@cpsu.asn.au or 8205 3200 with any questions or information. Contact can be on a confidential basis.

PSA WORKING FOR YOU

8 June 2007