The PSA is welcoming the Green Party alternative Budget which underlines the importance of properly funding the public service to support New Zealanders, in contrast to the Government’s destructive cuts.

The Green Budget, released today, reinstates funding to the public service including areas the Government has sharply cut and underfunded - primary health care, Oranga Tamariki and public housing.

"The Green Party has taken a principled position to restore funding to the public service after the Government’s damaging cuts and the principle of settling pay equity claims so women are paid fairly," said Fleur Fitzsimons National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

"This Budget makes the right choices in terms of supporting a public service that can deliver to the needs of New Zealanders today and tomorrow and acknowledging the role of women in the public service."

The PSA was consulted on the Budget unlike the Government’s rushed changes to pay equity.

"As we have seen with cuts to the health workforce, to community organisations supporting vulnerable children, and the gutting of Kāinga Ora, to name a few examples, there have been significant impacts on frontline services.

"Women have borne the brunt of these job cuts, making up 62% of the public service and now the dismantling of the pay equity framework will further disadvantage women.

"This speaks to the Government’s priorities. It made a choice to cut taxes for landlords, big tobacco and others instead of properly funding the public service, and paying women fairly - the chickens are coming home to roost - the Green Budget would change that and the PSA welcomes its approach."

© Scoop Media