News Flash

A PUBLIC SECTOR FOR THE FUTURE.

The re-elected Rann Government has made two major decisions which impact upon the future of the Public Sector.

The appointment of Minister Jay Weatherill as Minister responsible for Public Sector Management is significant. Mr Weatherill, in a meeting with PSA Officials, advised that the Government wishes to have the best Public Sector possible, and has invited the PSA to make submissions regarding this.

Treasurer, Kevin Foley, in the second major decision, has commissioned a review of Agency expenditure in the lead up to the State Budget, now to be delivered in September 2006. Reports of expenditure cutbacks by Agencies are being received, which if implemented, would be of significant concern.

The Government has declared that it wants to put more money into Health, Education and Justice. This is welcome, however, it should not be at the expense of other vital Public Sector services.

The above two activities are occurring in a context where prior to the election, the Premier advised the PSA of an ongoing commitment to job security and a major assurance that:

“Rather than the Liberal approach of slash and burn with accompanying privatizations, we are committed to rebuilding and rejuvenating the public sector”

Such promises were made during the election campaign to all of us – promises of improved services and rebuilding – with both the Premier and the Treasurer assuring the PSA and the people of this State repeatedly and publicly that they have no intention of cutting jobs and vital services.

The PSA has shown that it is fully committed to protecting members and the Public Sector. The PSA will continue to do this.

In view of the above, the PSA is undertaking the following:

• Obtaining membership information on current service delays and staff shortages for use in submissions to Government, and if necessary, any future campaign.

• Academic research has been commissioned to provide evidence of the sound state of the SA economy, and research is also being undertaken in respect to changes that the PSA will propose to further improve the Public Sector. Already research by Professor John Spoehr has shown clearly that this is not a time for radical cuts to Public Sector spending – rather it is a time for refinement, recruitment and retention.

• Publicity material is being prepared to highlight the value of the work undertaken by our members in the Public Sector.

  PSA research shows that the State's economy is strong and cuts to services are unnecessary. This is a time of relative economic prosperity, and the people of this State expect a proper level of services.

  Members are again invited to provide the PSA with any relevant information regarding the above matters.

  
  

  For enquiries please contact PSA Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher

  Ph: 8205 3220; Email: pgc@cpsu.asn.au

21 April 2006