Public Service sell-off Condemned

Date: 24 May 2000

The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) has strongly criticised the Howard Government over the contents of a leaked Cabinet minute which encourages further outsourcing of public service functions.

The CPSU is concerned that the Government's approach will lead to the loss of public sector skills and corporate memory, more job losses, reduced accountability, and reduced privacy for all Australians in their dealings with the government.

Matthew Reynolds, National President of CPSU, said, "All Australians should be alarmed at the Government's action on this issue. Through the Department of Finance, they are forcing outsourcing on every section of the public service. Why are they pursuing this grim ideological crusade? There is a growing amount of evidence that shows the only things outsourcing actually delivers are job losses for staff, reduced services for clients and profits for huge multi-nationals."

The CPSU points out that the Government's record on out-sourcing is littered with costly mistakes.

"There have been major problems with the out-sourcing of payroll systems, information technology and form production. But the government still appears hell-bent on out-sourcing everything. In their quieter moments, most Departmental Heads have expressed concern about the policy and feel they are being railroaded into it. This minute demonstrates the government's dangerous lack of regard for cost effective, accountable and transparent public administration. It is also a slur on the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of the Australian Public Service", added Mr Reynolds.

For comment
Matthew Reynolds
mob 0418 117 349
work (02) 6273 0055

For further information

Contact:	Dermott Browne
Union:	CPSU - National Office
Phone:	93349200

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