Serco gone, but will Govt learn lesson about failure of privatisation?

The Public Service Association (PSA) says the dumping of Serco from Mt Eden Corrections Facility is a much needed move that outlines the inevitable failure of turning public services into profit-driven businesses.

The PSA is the largest union in corrections, with nearly 100 members at Serco and nearly 3000 at the Department of Corrections.

Erin Polaczuk, PSA national secretary, said "Judith Collins needs to front up and admit she was wrong to give Serco the contract in the first place,"
"Prisons should exist to ensure the safety of all New Zealanders, and the rehabilitation of those who have committed crimes, not to create profit for multinational corporations.

"Our members at Serco are anxious to see the transition back to the Department of Corrections handled well, to ensure minimum stress and disruption to staff and inmates.

"The Government now needs to promise that prisons will remain in public hands, along with the other crucial public services New Zealanders rely on.

"Trying to profit from human misery is morally reprehensible, and does not work. Public services exist for the public good," said Erin Polaczuk.

ENDS

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