What can we expect from the new Government?

What is certain is that everyone working in public and community services will be in for a busy time.  Keeping our country safe from Covid and rebuilding better will be the focus.  PSA members will continue to be at the heart of this effort.

This has been an extremely challenging year and it’s important all of the people doing the mahi are well supported as we move to deliver the Government’s work programme.

EQUAL PAY PROGRESS

We can expect to see more progress on equal pay – both by gender and ethnicity. It is clear that this is a Government that shares our aims on this.  While some good progress was made in the last term, there is much work to do and the PSA is working with other unions to lead this. 

We’ll be encouraging even more members to get involved in our equal pay claims and Worth 100% campaign, along with Te Rūnanga’s Mana Wahine Treaty claim. 

PUBLIC SERVICE REFORM

In its last term the Government started reform of some key public services, including the health and disability, education and justice systems. PSA members in these services have already contributed to reviews. We’ll continue to ensure your voices are heard in decision making and that there’s a just transition to what’s next. 

The new Public Service Act is being implemented, with the Government aiming to improve the delivery of services, the Māori Crown relationship, and the working lives of public servants.

It’s also clear this Government is interested in taking a regional approach to services, and we can expect accelerated progress towards great inter-agency collaboration and whole of government working.

We’ll be pushing for more consistent terms and conditions to move towards a joined up career public service.

WORKING CONDITIONS

In the workplace, the Government has said it will prioritise an increase in the statutory entitlement for sick leave from 5 to 10 days, and pave the way for industry-wide Fair Pay Agreements.

We welcome those commitments and promising signs the Government will move to extend the Living Wage, ensure greater protections for contractors, and make workplaces safer. 

UNIVERSAL BASIC SERVICES

Finally, the PSA will continue to campaign for the Aotearoa Wellbeing Commitment.

We’ll be urging the new Government to extend the universal provision of services in health, housing, education, income support, public transport and internet to make Aotearoa a fairer, more equitable society. 

Photo Caption: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at PSA Congress 2020