Claims by Business SA that there are too many public sector workers are not supported by the facts.

Despite the growth of South Australia’s population, the number of public sector workers has reduced by 22% over the past 15 years, from 101,000 in 1991 to 78,000 in 2006.

In 1991 the proportion of South Australian workers in the public sector was 18.1%, in 2006 the figure was 12.4%.

Calls by Business SA to cut thousands of public sector jobs would inevitably result in further service cuts and suffering among the most vulnerable people in our community, and longer waiting times for access to government services.

“What some sectors of our society forget,” PSA Secretary General Jan McMahon said, “is that the public sector exists to serve all people in our community, not just business. Many families rely on Government services.

“The public sector provides an enormous array of vital services to ensure people are protected, educated and healthy.

A recent report by respected Adelaide University academic Professor John Spoehr, revealed the public sector would lose tens of thousands of older workers in the next few years as the “baby boomer” generation reaches retirement age.

The report highlighted that every effort must be made to retain the experience of valuable older workers while making more efforts to recruit young and talented people.

PSA agrees with Business SA that this is a time of economic prosperity. It is the time to plan and take steps to protect the future prosperity and health of all citizens by ensuring there will be enough skilled people in the public sector to provide the services we all need.

The Government has no mandate for cuts. Business SA seems to forget that the Opposition went to the election wanting to cut 4,000 public sector jobs and the community totally rejected them.

PSA Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher

Ph: 8205 3200 or Email: pgc@cpsu.asn.au