Great to see David Parker’s announcement that leave provisions across the core public service are to be standardised.  This covers not just annual leave provisions but also other types of leave, including sickness, parental and tangi/bereavement leave.  In terms of annual leave the effect is that all staff not already receiving five weeks leave will do so after five years service.  

This is not just good news for those public servants who will get additional leave, but also because it will make movement easier between different Ministries and Departments.  It is also a sign of the government acting as a leader in good employment practice.

I strongly believe that one of the things that will improve public services in New Zealand is to facilitate movement between agencies.  Breaking down the silos between different agencies is the key to provide effective and efficient services for New Zealanders.  I think we are well served by public servants in New Zealand, but the rigidity inherent in the structure of the public service can at times stymie the cooperative initatives that will provide for innovative service delivery.

Congratulations also to the PSA for their on-going work on the Partnership for Quality with government.  This approach has helped provide for a settled framework for making positive differences in the public sector.