ACT Party Calls for Public Service Reset Ahead of Election

The ACT Party’s election platform calls for a “reset” of New Zealand’s public service by repealing Section 73 of the Public Service Act, which obliges chief executives to adopt a “good employer” policy. The party would also remove a comparable provision in the Crown Entities Act. The reforms aim to base hiring, promotion and service delivery on “need, not race,” and to treat public-service employment rules the same as those of private-sector employers.

Newstalk ZBThe New Zealand Herald

ACT leader David Seymour argues that health- and safety, non-discrimination and disability rights are already covered elsewhere in law, so additional “good employer” mandates are unnecessary. He says the public service should focus on delivering services rather than pursuing “social engineering” through employment policies. Seymour stresses that agencies will be legally required to follow the “need-not-race” principle and that breaches could be challenged through judicial review. He also notes that public servants will retain the freedom to practice religion or culture in their own time, with reasonable accommodation where appropriate, and that taxpayers should not fund employer-initiated spiritual activities.

The New Zealand Herald

• November 7 – The date of the upcoming election; ACT says the repeal of Section 73 and the Crown Entities Act provision would take effect if the party wins the vote.

Newstalk ZB

• “The public service should have the same employment rules as any other business,” — David Seymour

The New Zealand Herald

• “Health and safety, non-discrimination, and disability rights are already covered elsewhere in the law. Public service jobs should go to the best person for the job, regardless of race. Hiring and promotion should be based on merit, skills, experience, and what the role actually requires.” — David Seymour

The New Zealand Herald

• “Agencies will be required by law to follow the principle, and decisions that breach it could be challenged through judicial review,” — David Seymour

The New Zealand Herald

• “Public servants will remain free to practise their own religion, culture, or traditions in their own time, with reasonable accommodation where appropriate,” — David Seymour

The New Zealand Herald