October 6 2015

Gun threat at Christchurch MSD Service Delivery unacceptable

The Public Service Association (PSA) is alarmed at the incident at a Christchurch MSD Service Delivery office this morning, where a shotgun was brandished at security guards by an MSD client.

The PSA represents over 3500 MSD Service Delivery staff across the country.

Richard Wagstaff, PSA national secretary, said "This sort of threat is completely unacceptable and we are grateful that nobody was hurt."

"Public servants who are doing their job should never be put at risk from the clients they work to serve, and nor should other clients and members of the community.

"Nobody needing to access these important public services should be made to feel fearful of the actions of a minority when they go to MSD’s premises.

"The value of more security guards onsite, a measure introduced following the tragic shooting in Ashburton, has been shown today.

"The PSA is working with the Ministry of Social Development to further improve security for frontline Service Delivery staff, while ensuring public access to services is maintained.

"Just over one year on from the Ashburton tragedy, more is yet to be done to ensure that threats against public servants becomes a thing of the past," said Richard Wagstaff.

ENDS

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