ACT Party proposes reforms to New Zealand public service employment rules

The Public Service Association (PSA) has criticized a policy proposal from the ACT Party aimed at reforming the Public Service Act. The proposal seeks to remove Section 73, which currently requires chief executives of government departments to maintain employment policies that comply with the ‘principle of being a good employer’.

Additionally, the ACT Party's plan includes removing spiritual and cultural obligations from the public service and establishing a legal requirement that services be delivered based on need rather than race. The PSA argues these changes would undermine the rights of workers and diminish the effectiveness and legitimacy of a public service that reflects New Zealand's diversity.