No Place For The Private Sector In Public Education And Health

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is alarmed at the government’s plans for public-private partnerships (PPPs) for our prisons and schools.

The government indicated before the 2008 election that it was open to PPPs and announced recently its plans for a new private prison and a PPP built school.

NZNO president Nano Tunnicliff says the government should be reminded that there is almost never any benefit to the tax-payer of PPPs.

“There is evidence that the very best outcomes for our society are only achieved when services are provided by the state,” she said

“Privately built schools and hospitals and privately run prisons do not have any advantages over state built facilities. The risk of failure is high; private companies bid low to get the contracts and are often not accountable for going over budget, with government having to mop up the mess.

“When the private sector builds and owns facilities, they are free to control leases, maintenance and other financial arrangements; and when costs are high there is less money available for wages.”

NZNO’s experience in the aged care sector, which has many private providers, shows that when there are no minimums standards and when providers are not held accountable, member’s wage and conditions are undermined and the provision of care is compromised.

“We do not want to see wage, conditions or care and education fall in New Zealand. PPPs have no place in the public sector.

“The New Zealand health and education systems need more funding not less. We encourage the government to put money directly where it’s needed rather than giving handouts to big business.” Nano Tunnicliff said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media