PSA MEDIA RELEASE

FOR USE - 29th June 2012

Department of Labour, Department of Building and Housing, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Science and Innovation – RIP

The Public Service Association says it will work to minimise job losses and maximise job security for staff involved in the new superministry merger.

Today (June 29) effectively spells the end of the Department of Labour after 121 years in existence, as well as the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Science and Innovation, and the Department of Building and Housing.

From July 1 they will be part of a new Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

PSA National Secretary Brenda Pilott says this is a time of great uncertainty for the 3200 employees involved in the merger.

“There are still a lot of unanswered questions about how the new superministry will work and how staff will be structured within it. Job security is clearly a major concern and it isn’t helped by the fact that the MBIE has been directed to save millions of dollars on administrative and policy functions within its first year.”

The PSA has met with the new superministry head and has been meeting with members across all four departments.

“Staff know there is major restructuring and change ahead but there are clear signals that they want to engage and have a constructive role in in shaping the future of MBIE, to get the new structures right and create a healthy workplace culture.”

New operational structures for MBIE are currently being developed and are expected to be in place by October 1.

Brenda Pilott says “that is a tight timeframe given the number of people involved in the merger and the rather unusual grouping of departments involved. There are still some reservations about how the functions of some of the agencies will fit into a business-focussed and business-driven superministry.”

“We need to ensure that this merger works for staff and the public in terms of delivering better public services.”

ENDS

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