Clarify job freeze says PSA

Date: 16 June 2009

The NSW Government must clearly define what it means by 'frontline worker' to reassure the public that services will not be compromised by the public sector jobs freeze announced in today's State Budget.

NSW Public Service Association general secretary John Cahill raised concerns the freeze would put pressure on services already facing extra demand because of the Global Financial Crisis.

"It's good that the government is relaxing its freeze on frontline workers but this is only part of the challenge facing the public sector.

"Given the average annual turnover in public sector workers is 6,000, a jobs freeze really means a significant reduction in the size of the NSW public service.

"Because of this it is critical the government explains clearly who it believes is frontline - and how those who are not defined at frontline will manage with fewer staff.

"Economic modelling conducted by Access Economics shows that the GFC will lead to increased demand for services across the sector, including housing, community services and education and training.

"The community also needs to understand that so-called frontline workers rely on frontline support - and when these resources are reduced their ability to do their job is undermined," said Mr Cahill.

Mr Cahill also cautioned the government to approach restructures and cost cutting with a focus on service delivery.

"It's fine for the government to say it is implementing public sector reform, but there need to be assurances that no more strain will be put on the frontline delivery of services that are already stretched to the max," said Mr Cahill.

For further information

Contact:	John Cahill, General Secretary
Union:	Public Service Association of NSW
Contact Mobile:	0419 413 577
WWW:	http://psa.labor.net.au/

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