PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM UNIT

PSA President Lindsay Oxlad and General Secretary Jan McMahon attended the Economic Growth Summit on Saturday 3^rd of April 2004.

Without any consultation with the Association, or the Public Sector Unions and the UTLC, the Government announced the establishment of the Public Sector Reform Unit and yet another review of the Commissioner for Public Employment.

A review of the Public Sector and Commissioner for Public Employment was undertaken by the former Liberal Government (the Fahey report).

The Association with the UTLC have urgently requested consultation on the terms of reference and value of the new Unit and the review.

The Government should talk to the PSA about specific issues, not just attack the Public Sector as a whole.

The Association's position is to rejuvenate the Public Sector and provide proper staffing levels to deliver the Government's programs, particularly the recently released strategic plan.

The Treasurer's comments that the PSA is hostile to ALP Governments ignores the fact that the PSA ran many campaigns against the former Government when it acted against members' interests. A list of PSA campaigns and research is on this website.

Any attempt by the Government to reduce funding for Public Sector services in the forthcoming Budget will be challenged.

The successful Association's campaigns on behalf of FAYS members in Child Protection, clearly highlighted the inadequate staffing levels in the Agency, to investigate and provide support to children and youth at risk.

05/04/04