Public servants push to share in state’s ‘golden age’

A rally against the Government’s 2 per cent pay rise cap will highlight the role of ordinary public servants in the state’s prosperity.

PUBLIC servants angry at the Government’s 2 per cent pay rise cap will rally on Parliament Lawns on Wednesday.

The rally will highlight the role of ordinary public servants in the state’s prosperity — and their determination to continue to push for a better deal.

It is part of a continuing industrial campaign which has seen teachers walk off the job and an escalating series of work bans in public sector workplaces across the state.

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Theatre nurses at the Royal Hobart Hospital will walk off the job for an hour on Wednesday morning as part of their campaign for a better deal from the Government.

A trio of public servants spoke to the Mercury about the campaign. They gave only their first names because of restrictions on speaking to the media imposed by the State Service Act.

Paul has been a government forensic scientist for 16 years and says he is proud of the contribution he and his colleagues make to the justice system but a 2 per cent pay rise was not enough.

“We have been told that Tasmania is entering a golden age. If that is true, then isn’t it something that we have all worked hard as a community to achieve?” he said.

“If ordinary people cannot share in it, then it means nothing, it’s just more empty words.”

Public servants at a rally on Parliament Lawns in October.

Park ranger Ben said he was preparing for a summer looking after booming numbers of visitors and fighting any fires that break out in national parks.

“I love my job. I love being a ranger. I am proud of the work we do but there is only so far goodwill can stretch,” he said.

“When the Government says I should accept a salary increase below the cost of living, when we already earn far less than our mainland counterparts, it’s hard to feel that your employer respects your work and commitment.”

State Growth employee Tania said the demands at her workplace were increasing — and staff did not feel the Government’s pay offer respected their hard work and dedication.

Premier Will Hodgman and Treasurer Peter Gutwein have repeatedly said that the state cannot afford to pay public servants a rise of more than 2 per cent.