‘Public servants safe with us’, CLP declares in newly released public service policy

THE Country Liberal Party has declared the jobs of public servants are ‘safe with us’, releasing a policy that includes transferring frontline staff to stronger contracts.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro has released the CLP’s public service policy. Picture: Che Chorley

THE Country Liberal Party has declared the jobs of public servants are “safe with us”, releasing a policy that includes transferring frontline staff to stronger contracts.

The three-pronged policy, released about two months from the election, includes initiating “working partnerships” between the public and private sector by seconding public servants to enhance skills and experience.

Frontline public servants will also be moved from rolling temporary contracts to permanent contracts, in a bid to encourage them to “make the Territory their permanent home”

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The CLP will also bring in a program called “Territory Futures”, where school and university leavers and First Nations Territorians will be encouraged to take up a public service career through placements.

According to the party this would “facilitate pathways to successful and meaningful professional careers” by providing traineeships for Territory school leavers across all departments and a range of administrative skills that will “kickstart their career”.

It includes graduate programs and internships for university graduates who have a home base in the Territory and developing programs dedicated to First Nations Territorians, including NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services graduate Aboriginal employment and Years 10-12 Aboriginal cadetship school holiday programs.

The policy would be “cost neutral” according to the CLP as it would be carried out within the current budget.

“A Country Liberal government will value the contribution of NTPS in delivering services to Territorians. We have a clear message for public employees: Your jobs are safe with us. Our promise to you is that you are valued, respected and essential,” CLP leader Lia Finocchiaro said.

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“Seconding public servants to local businesses will increase skills and understanding for workers.

“The NTPS is a great strength for the Territory and we must make sure it’s as well equipped, knowledgeable and helpful as possible for all Territorians.”