PSA concerned that $134 million Whanau Ora package will bring job losses and poor quality services

The Public Service Association is concerned that today’s announcement of $134.3 million to implement the government’s Whanau Ora policy will result in public sector job losses and poorer quality services being delivered to those the policy is aimed at.

‘’Prime Minister John Key says Whanau Ora will receive $134.3 million in funding over the next four years but he doesn’t say where that money will come from,’’ says PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff.

‘’The government needs to come clean on whether this money is coming out of existing programmes or not. If it is being drawn from existing programmes what will be the impact on those services and will that result in job losses.’’

Whanau Ora Minister Tariana Turia says the $134 million will help the private providers who’ll deliver the services to families; change their business models, train Whanau Ora practitioners and improve their IT systems.’’

‘’What the public needs to hear is that this policy will provide investment in high quality jobs and staff. Without that assurance we’re concerned that Whanau Ora could simply result in a cut price, low quality service for Maori,’’ says Richard Wagstaff.
Mr Key also says the 20 Whanau Ora "providers" contracted in the first round will be held accountable for results.
‘’Can the government give assurances that high quality workforce development programmes will be put in place as part of the policy and that good jobs will be created? That’s what will ensure high quality services are delivered,” says Richard Wagstaff.

ENDS

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