The Adelaide Advertiser today has reported that following significant changes to the Public Sector Bill in the Upper House, Government has written to business leaders in an attempt to pressure the Liberal Opposition to change its position.

The Opposition has re-affirmed its support for the PSA position to amend the Bill.

The following media statement issued by PSA this morning is provided for members information.

"In what has been described by the PSA as a bizarre move, Government Minister Jay Weatherill has written to business leaders asking them to pressure the Liberals into supporting the Government.

Opposition and non Government Members of the Legislative Council have blocked Government plans to give Departmental Chief Executives the power to fire staff.

Public Service Association Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher said “The Government changes will do nothing to improve public services or reduce waiting times for the community. It's about giving politically appointed Chief Executives the power to reduce staffing levels even further.”

“At a time when the community requires community services even more, the Government has focused on how to reduce the number of those providing such services” said Mr. Christopher.

Mr. Christopher praised the Opposition’s decision to continue to oppose the Public Sector Bill changes sought by Minister Weatherill, adding that the community should be concerned at Government bullying tactics.

“The Opposition and non Government MPs and MLCs are the ones acting with principle regarding this matter, not the Government.

(Peter Christopher, Chief Industrial Officer  pgc@cpsu.asn.au  or  8205 3220)