Groundhog day for MAF and Fisheries

The Public Service Association (PSA) is sceptical of what savings and efficiency gains will come from a merger between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and the Ministry of Fisheries.

“We’ve been on this merry-go-round before when the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries was carved up in 1995. Dozens of workers lost their jobs and services were contracted out. That restructuring was meant to provide a more efficient service and save money. Now we are told the opposite is true,” says PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff.

“No wonder members of the public are cynical. Our members are. Like them we question what savings were gained from the original split in 1995 and we are more doubtful of what savings will come from bringing the two agencies together again now.

“Restructuring isn’t a cost-free exercise. The disruption to staff and operations will have a significant negative impact that could outweigh the benefits.

“The gains from the 1995 restructuring were limited and this merger will be no different. It simply highlights that the government lacks real ideas on improving public services. Instead it is tinkering around the edges of agencies behind accusations of bloatedness and inefficiency which are smokescreens for its small government agenda,” says Richard Wagstaff.

“State Services Minister Tony Ryall says the merger is expected to bring annual savings of at least $10 million but that doesn’t mean these will actually come about.

“Various cabinet papers quoting the Minister of Internal Affairs Nathan Guy say the merging of Archives and the National Library into Internal Affairs will bring savings of either half-a-million a year, $6.5 million over three years, $20 million over three years, $25 million over four years, $8 million a year or $2 million a year. This shows it’s just a guessing game.

“We are disappointed that the government chose to announce this merger at a time of national emergency when it won’t actually happen until next year. Public servants across the country are working around the clock to support the recovery effort in Canterbury following last month’s earthquake.

“News of mergers and restructures is the last distraction these workers need right now and the announcement shows a lack of appreciation for the present efforts of public servants that go far beyond the call of duty,” says Richard Wagstaff.

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