Public sector passion worth more than private sector profits

Finance minister Bill English needs to read his own press releases and have confidence in the innovative, flexible solutions provided by the public service, the PSA says.

Mr English delivered a speech to the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand where he praised the modern, transformative projects undertaken by the National government.

He mentioned the SmartGate border clearance system, the billion-dollar IRD systems overhaul and the fact that nearly half of government service transactions now happen online.

But he then praised the private sector for being flexible and responsive to New Zealanders’ needs.

When asked why he assumed government agencies couldn’t do those things, he criticised them for being monopolies, where it was "extremely difficult" to shift boundaries.

The Public Service Association is disappointed with Mr English’s statements.

"The minister seemed to forget all the innovative and client-focused public service projects he’d praised just minutes before.

"He pointed the finger at Housing New Zealand for the quality of state houses - forgetting that’s partly due to the years of underfunding by his government.

"This looked like damnation with faint praise, particularly in front of a room full of senior public servants.

"Public servants care deeply about their work, and studies have shown that delivers as much value as the private sector’s desire to profit.

"Mr English should harness that motivation, and resource every government agency to deliver nimble, innovative solutions to benefit all New Zealanders."

ENDS

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