April 18, 2024
Job cuts show government role shrinking
A Māori representative on the Public Service Association says the wholesale cuts to public servants shows a Government that is breaking its constitutional obligaitons to serve the people of Aotearoa.
Another thousand plus jobs went on the bonfire yesterday in Oranga Tamariki and Education as the departments make the savings demanded to pay for tax cuts.
Mike Tana says it’s a triple whammy for staff who showed during Covid and the response to Cyclone Garbrielle how vital it is to have a public sector workforce willing and able to step up in times of crisis.
He says by prioritising tax cuts over the needs of a growing population the coalition is revealing its true agenda.
“What this coalition seems to be focusing on, services to Maori, services to tamariki Maori, services to those people we know are disadvantaged and we know the history of this but if you can change the obligation of government by focusing on a big package that includes the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, then your obligation changes,” Mr Tana says.
He says it’s a sign of disrespect te iwi Maori have not been consulted even though Maori will be most affected.