[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Reconsider Public Service Job Moratorium Call_N McKim MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

PREMIER SHOULD RECONSIDER PUBLIC SERVICE MORATORIUM

Time to Improve Liquidity and Confidence, not Pick on Public Sector

Nick McKim MP
Greens Leader

Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today urged Premier David Bartlett to reconsider
his decision to place a moratorium on new non-frontline jobs in
Tasmania's public service given the need to increase liquidity in the
Tasmanian economy and confidence in the Tasmanian community.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that the Premier has acted prematurely
by announcing the moratorium prior to receiving the mid-year financial
report, and despite Treasurer Michael Aird saying that the government
will not need to reign in spending.

"This is the time when the Premier should be increasing liquidity in the
Tasmanian economy, and promoting confidence in our community, rather
than picking on the public service," Mr McKim said.

"Mr Bartlett appears to be using the cover of the global economic
downturn to try to claw back what he perceives as losses from the
lengthy pay parity negotiations. It is unworthy of a Labor Premier."  

"There are plenty of public service jobs that Mr Bartlett would not
regard as 'front-line' but are crucial to the Tasmanian community, such
as Rangers to properly manage our National Parks and Reserves, and
positions in industry support and development."

Mr McKim also said that Mr Bartlett today floated the possibility of
extending the moratorium in the future to cover vacant positions that
have already been created.

"Preventing the filling of existing public service vacancies is a
serious sanction that should only be imposed in the direst of
circumstances, and not casually floated by a Premier who should actually
be trying to increase confidence in all sectors of that Tasmanian
community, including the public sector."





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