The Prime Minister’s statement today that “the public sector is still a long way from being a lean and efficient organisation” is a clear indication that New Zealanders should prepare themselves for savage cuts in public services, says Richard Wagstaff, PSA National Secretary.

“Many public services have already been cut to the bone and are only being maintained through the good will and hard work of staff,” says Richard Wagstaff. “Further cuts will be quickly translated into loss of services that people take for granted.”

“Already many New Zealanders are being refused ACC treatment and their elderly relatives are being denied the home help that helps them to lead independent lives. Parents are finding that early childhood education is becoming unaffordable.”

“This government has clearly no vision or plan for delivering quality public services. Slashing and burning is not the way to build more efficient public services and will cost the country more in the long run through social disruption.”

“The fact that the Government is also preparing to sell off $10 billion worth of public assets while starving the public sector of funds clearly shows how little it cares for ordinary New Zealanders.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media