PSA Media Release
14 Oct 2011

Public sector funding cuts invite risks

The unfolding environmental disaster in the Bay of Plenty highlights the dangers of a stripped-back public service, says the PSA.

In less than three years 2,400 jobs have gone from departments and crown entities, including Maritime New Zealand which lost some specialists and technical advisors.

Thousands of unfilled vacancies – often a cover for job cuts – brings this figure to a staggering 5,500.
On top of these job losses, there is growing evidence that tight budgets are leaving public agencies ill-equipped to cope with disasters.

“You can’t cut 5500 jobs and slash operating budgets and expect things to run smoothly when optimum situations turn to ones requiring fast action and greater resourcing,” says PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff.

“When those jobs go out the door, years of valuable knowledge, skills and experience go with them.

“We know from workload surveys that public servants are gifting more and more hours of their own time as departments become more stretched. That’s simply not sustainable in the long-term.

“It’s time the Government recognised that underfunding and deregulation invites risks to New Zealanders and our environment,” says Richard Wagstaff.

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