April 29, 2002

The PSA welcomed the release today of the State Services Commission’s Career Progression and Development survey. “This is the first report of its type which systematically records the views, aspirations, and frustrations of public servants”, said PSA national secretary Paul Cochrane speaking at the launch today.

“The survey of 6,500 public servants explodes some myths about the public service. Far from the brown cardigan-wearing, work-shy, faceless bureaucrat of the “gliding on” image, the report reveals a public service made up of people whose primary motivation is to do a good job, who want to get on in life, and who are prepared to work long and hard to achieve this. Contrary to popular perception, the report shows that the vast majority of public servants work more hours than they are paid for”, said Mr Cochrane

“However, despite the desire of staff to do a good job, the running-down of the public service over the last ten years has taken its toll. The gap between what staff require from their departments to do a good job and the reality is large. A substantial number of staff rated their departments as treating them unfairly, not valuing their ideas, displaying favouritism, or providing a poor working environment,” Mr Cochrane said.

“The most worrying aspect to come out of the report is the number of staff who felt they had been discriminated against (21%), or who had experienced some form of unwelcome behaviour (34%). By anyone’s standards these levels of treatment and behaviour need to be addressed,” said Paul Cochrane

“That is why the PSA invites Departments to work closely with it on addressing the issues raised in the report. We want to make sure the pubic service is an attractive, vibrant and safe place to work”, said Mr Cochrane.
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