News Flash

Senior PSA officials met with Opposition Leader, Isobel Redmond on Wednesday, 18 November. Mrs Redmond was accompanied by Deputy Leader, Steven Griffiths and Shadow Minister for Finance, Rob Lucas.

The PSA was represented by General Secretary, Jan McMahon, President, Lindsay Oxlad and Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher.

The PSA identified its concerns with current job cuts and the proposed $750 million of savings announced by the Government, but for which details will not be provided until after the 2010 election.

The PSA advised of its intention to continue with the campaign highlighting the negative impact of the budget cuts upon South Australian families.

The problems caused by cuts to administrative positions were highlighted by the Upper House report into Families SA which recommended that additional administrative staff be employed in regional offices as a matter of urgency to ease the burden on case workers.

Independent university research documents were provided to the Opposition Leader which showed that Public Sector employment as a proportion of the South Australian workforce has dropped from 18.1% in 1991 to 12.5% in 2007. Research into public housing reductions was also provided.

The PSA highlighted the importance of an effective Public Sector and the difficulties caused to the community by continual job cuts. The significance of job security was also highlighted.

23 November 2009