Minister's chance to end gaol sale

Date: 30 January 2009

The new Minister for Corrective Services and Public Sector Reform John Robertson has a golden opportunity to end the failed era of privatisations, the NSW Public Service Association said today.

Welcoming Mr Robertson to his new portfolios, PSA General Secretary John Cahill said the Minister had the credentials to show there was a better way of managing the public sector.

"For too long we have seen politicians from all political parties who see the only response to a problem is to throw their hands in the air and privatise public assets.

"We are currently facing a proposal to privatise two of the state's prisons - a move that will see private corporations running jails for profits.

"The PSA is developing a plan for the government to manage the prisons more effectively while keeping them under public control.

"We look forward to meeting with the Minister and briefing him on our plans.

"Mr Robertson has long argued that privatisation of essential services is against the public interest - now he has the power to put those arguments into practise."

"The union movement was inspired by the campaign Mr Robertson led to oppose power privatisation - and we are looking for similar leadership now.

On broader public sector issues, Mr Cahill said the PSA was looking forward to working to ensure service were adequately staffed and funded at a time when the public will be relying on them more than ever.

"At times of financial crisis it is essential that the public has access to well-resourced services - our members are committed to delivering these services and look forward to the Minister's support," Mr Cahill said.

For further information

Contact:	John Cahill, General Secretary
Union:	Public Service Association of NSW
Contact Mobile:	0419 413 577
WWW:	http://www.psa.labor.net.au/

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