The Treasurer will deliver the State Budget on Thursday, 21 September 2006.

While a significant number of rumours and media reports continue to circulate, the PSA is unaware of any Budget details. The PSA remains concerned regarding the Budget outcomes, particularly in view of submissions that Agencies have had to make regarding expenditure cuts.

The PSA received commitments from the Premier on 27 February 2006 which provided certain assurances, including:

“There will be no privatisations.”

“... we are committed to rebuilding and rejuvenating the Public Sector.”

“... there will be no forced redundancies.”

“There will of course, as occurred in our first term be some movement of jobs to areas of high priority... and this will continue to occur in an orderly fashion... involving meaningful consultation...”

“We are committed to further improving community services... “

“The Liberals track record of broken promises will give no comfort to the PSA and its members.”

The PSA expects the Government to honour its commitments, and has no reason to believe that it will not do so.

In the lead up to the Budget the PSA made three submissions to Government relating to skills shortages within the Public Sector, proposals for Public Sector Reform and an economic analysis of the State's economy. These may be viewed on the PSA website (see Newsflash icon, PSA Submissions, item of 10 July 2006).

Any information from members would be welcome. The PSA is particularly interested to receive advice from members about the impact upon community services of any Budget announcements to assist in its analysis. These may be provided confidentially to Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher (see details below).

Peter Christopher, Chief Industrial Officer

Email: pgc@cpsu.asn.au