Premier: Wage freeze for executive staff a ‘responsible’ economic decision after COVID-19 spending

Premier Peter Gutwein said the staff had shown ‘outstanding strength and agility in these trying times’, and wage a hold on wage increases was not a reflection of their work or efforts.

STATE Executive Service workers will have their wages frozen as the Government seeks to “rebuild a stronger Tasmania” following community support spending in the COVID-19 recovery.

Premier Peter Gutwein yesterday said the wage freeze for senior public servants was “in no way” a reflection of their work and efforts.

“Tasmanians have done an outstanding job in controlling the spread of coronavirus and we are well prepared to rapidly respond to any future outbreaks that may occur,” he said.

“However we know we are not only facing a health crisis but an economic one.

“We have taken an incredible hit to our economy broadly, to State revenue, and many Tasmanians are facing hardships they have never faced before.”

Premier Peter Gutwein during question time in state parliament. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Mr Gutwein said responsible decisions would need to be made in coming budget cycles after the financial support provided to businesses and the Tasmanian community to “lessen the economic impact of COVID-19”.

“This is why it is appropriate to postpone a wage increase for senior Public Servants, which would normally be considered at this time of the year, until the Budget period later this year in November,” he said.

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“On behalf of all members of Government I express sincere thanks to all of our state employees.

“They have shown the most outstanding strength and agility in these trying times, leading the State Service to our strong public health position and supporting the Tasmanian community through our response and recovery phases.”