Senior PSA Officials, President, Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary, Jan McMahon and Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher attended the Budget Lock-Up. Based upon an initial assessment of the multi-volume Budget papers, PSA has identified the following:

• A focus upon tax cuts rather than provision of new services

• Money for hospitals, but not for many health programs

• One-off payments rather than ongoing program funding

• Mental Health, while receiving $25 million as one-off payment, only receives $5 million per annum for 4 years

• Director Public Prosecutions has received insufficient funds to deliver the Government's Law and Order program

• Infrastructure development is limited

• No provision has been made for new prisons

• No provision has been made to replace Magill Training Centre

The above comments are based on an initial study of the documents, with a more detailed analysis to now occur.

The lack of significant announcements in many Agencies gives credence to the theory that the Government intends to make further Budgetary announcements prior to the next election.

PSA would welcome information from members regarding the impact of the Budget upon th services provided by their Agencies. Members may send this information confidentially if so desired. Comments should be forwarded to Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher by fax at 8223 6509 or via email to pgc@cpsu.asn.au.

(Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher on 8205 3201 or email pgc@cpsu.asn.au)

PSA WORKING FOR A FAIR DEAL!

26 May 2005