❓ Hon. Alison Xamon questions the Premier regarding a potential public sector wage freeze due to COVID-19. The Premier denies current plans for a freeze but acknowledges the deteriorating budget situation and potential future review of wages policy.
AnsweredQoN 374Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
WAGES POLICY — PUBLIC SECTOR
374. Hon ALISON XAMON to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I refer to reports that the government may be considering a public
sector wage freeze.
(1) Does the Premier support freezing the wages of public
sector workers at this time?
(2) Has the government determined to freeze public sector
wages?
(3) If yes to (2), during what time period will the freeze
take effect?
374. Hon ALISON XAMON to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I refer to reports that the government may be considering a public
sector wage freeze.
(1) Does the Premier support freezing the wages of public
sector workers at this time?
(2) Has the government determined to freeze public sector
wages?
(3) If yes to (2), during what time period will the freeze
take effect?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question.
(1)–(3)
The government is not looking at freezing public sector wages at this time. Our
budget management of the past three years got us to surplus and got debt
heading down. Clearly, the situation is now far more difficult and our revenues
will be significantly reduced. COVID-19 is a dynamic situation and we will
continue to monitor and review policies that we make in response. If necessary,
we will look at our wages policy if our budget continues to deteriorate.
question.
(1)–(3)
The government is not looking at freezing public sector wages at this time. Our
budget management of the past three years got us to surplus and got debt
heading down. Clearly, the situation is now far more difficult and our revenues
will be significantly reduced. COVID-19 is a dynamic situation and we will
continue to monitor and review policies that we make in response. If necessary,
we will look at our wages policy if our budget continues to deteriorate.
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