15 March 2012

Gutting state sector no way to get economy moving

Sacking public servants will not result in less crime or better educational outcomes for New Zealand, Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said today.

In a speech this afternoon, John Key announced major changes to the public sector including capping public servant numbers and a new super ministry.

“The Key Government set 10 aspirational goals but failed to state how these will be achieved,” said Mrs Turei.

“It’s bizarre that John Key considers sacking core public servants will lead to an economic nirvana with better educational outcomes and a lower crime rate.

“This Government seems more concerned with call centres than attending to the major issues facing us such as decent housing, the environment and providing a sound economy for all New Zealanders.

“There are no clear goals for getting children out of poverty, safeguarding our environment or getting New Zealanders into work in John Key’s plan.

“Merging ministries and relocating public servants will not solve New Zealand’s wider social and economic problems,” said Mrs Turei.

“Wanting fewer people on a benefit is not the same as coming up with a plan to create jobs.

“The Green Party believes that rather than constricting the state, the way forward for New Zealand is creating jobs through Government investment in housing and new green technology.”

Green jobs plan: http://www.greens.org.nz/greenjobs

ENDS

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