Key Needs to Take Responsibility for Scrapping Kiwi Jobs

The state sector mergers announced today will put more Kiwis out of work at a time of already high unemployment, Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said today.

Government officials are currently working on National's state sector reforms which aim to scrap five Crown entities and three tribunals, and merge two government agencies. State Services Minister Tony Ryall considers jobs will be lost as a result.

“John Key should start taking some 'personal responsibility' for the lack of jobs available due to his Government’s handling of the economy,” said Mrs Turei.

“Yesterday he was attacking those on a benefit and today his Government is planning to increase the length of our already long dole queue with the latest state sector reforms.

“Job losses will not only have a flow on effect through the wider economy, they will inevitably impact on frontline service delivery.

“From past experience, job losses in the state sector have meant the need for contractors This costs more and has shortcomings with regard to accountability.

“Keeping staff with institutional knowledge within the state sector is often cheaper in the long run,” said Mrs Turei.

“It should be remembered by this Government that it was the knowledge and professionalism of those in state sector agencies behind the Government’s response to both Christchurch earthquakes.”

ENDS

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