No more funding cuts: protect jobs and quality services.

CPSU acting National Secretary, Mark Gepp said funding cuts undermined  the capacity of the public service to deliver quality essential services, which were needed now more than ever.

 “Acting Prime Minister, Julia Gillard has made a commitment this weekend to protect jobs and invest in jobs in 2009,” Mr Gepp said.

“Our treasurer echoed this call to protect jobs today when he told Australian employers to hold back on sacking staff because of the effect on families and the economy.

“So how do the Federal Government justify cutting the public service, which is a major employer and already stretched to the limit?

“The Federal Government must heed its own advice that staff are employers’ most valuable asset and include the publlc sector in its strategy to protect jobs.

“Protecting jobs in the public sector benefits families and the economy but also communities who rely on essential services.

 “The Government’s own backbenchers are voicing their concerns about the inadequate resourcing of federal agencies such as the High Court.

 “The public service is not a magic pudding that can keep producing quality public services while subject to massive funding cuts.

“The government must ensure the public sector is adequately staffed and resourced so it can continue to deliver essential services to the Australian people – especially in times of greater need,” Mr Gepp said.

For more information please call Mark Gepp on 0418 316 858
or Elisha Johnson (media) 0432 828 004.