A positive Budget for the public service and public service workers
Budget 2023 ensures New Zealanders can continue to rely on the critical services they need from a strong public service.
"Budget 2023 hits many of the right notes in terms of continued investment in public and community services and workers, as well as taking a long-term view of the challenges we have to build resilience," said Kerry Davies, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
"To face the challenges we have seen from the pandemic and from severe climate events, we need investment in people and services."
The PSA welcomed funding to continue progress to end gender and ethnic pay gaps.
“It’s good to see the start of funding for the extension of pay equity to community social workers.
"And it is pleasing to see half a billion dollars allocated to reduce pay disparities between community and hospital workers. Our expectation is that the Government should be reducing disparities with all community health workers.
"There is serious inequity between those delivering funded services in the community over those directly employed in hospitals and we will be seeking more information on this.
"We also welcome the removal of the minimum wage exemption for disabled workers which has been a long-standing discrimination. We have fought hard to remove this as disabled workers deserve to be paid the same as anyone else doing the same work.
"Public service workers are facing the same cost of living pressures as all New Zealanders so it’s also good news to see funding of $2.3 billion to implement the Public Sector Pay Adjustment. This is about valuing the work people do in the public service across the country to support people, and businesses to prosper, and deal with our long-term challenges.
"Overall, Budget 2023 is a budget for our times. But if we are going to keep facing our challenges, this commitment to strong public and community services must continue," said Kerry Davies.
More documents and information on budget 2023
Our budget webinar will include insight and commentary form NZCTU policy director and economist Craig Renney.
It will talk about what is means for working people, and also have a perspective from PSA National Secretary Kerry Davies on how it will effect those working in public and community sectors.
We are getting our post budget webinar ready now for you. This will be posted here shortly
View the full webinar
View the budget briefing power point supporting document
Kerry Davies PSA National Secretary - Speaking notes from webinar
Read the CTU's response to the budget here
The Wellbeing Budget 2023 will continue to provide needed support to Māori who are the most disadvantaged sector of our population in most areas including work and wellbeing.
Find out how here
