Embargoed until 2.30pm
1 May 2000
Minister signs agreement with PSA

State Services Minister Trevor Mallard today signed an agreement with the Public Service Association that sets out a partnership for quality.

Trevor Mallard said the Government had set itself huge policy challenges and needed a strong, vibrant and innovative public sector to achieve its goals.

"If public servants find their jobs satisfying and fulfilling; if management is constantly aware of ways to improve the working environment; if there is ongoing upskilling and professional development – then I believe we can go a long way to improving the capacity and reputation of the public service.

"As a Government, we can't achieve our goals alone."

Trevor Mallard and outgoing PSA President Kathy Higgins signed the agreement at the PSA congress in Wellington.

He said the agreement was the start of a process of change within the public service.

"It is recognition that we can't maximise improvement unless we work together. The practical implications of the agreement will be developed over the next few months between the PSA, the State Services Commission, and relevant chief executives.

Trevor Mallard said that while the PSA was the union representative of a significant number of staff in the public service, the Government was open to developing similar understandings with other unions.

ENDS

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