Is the seat belt sign illuminated? The Budget and the public sector IPS/ IPANZ series John Yeabsley NZIER June 2009
2 Where is this going - key points ► Back to basics – what would a first budget do? ► What did you expect at this time? ► Public sector flexibility – contradiction in terms? ► What’s likely to be ahead?
3 First budgets … ► Work within the economic situation ► Show what the new government means ► Adjust the priorities
4 What’s happening?
5 What’s pushing up the curve?
6 Having your own way?
7 So what do we take from these? ► Relatively limited shifts in spending patterns – so stand by… ► Outlook for big ticket items (Health & Education) seems very tight – knock ons coming ► Overall, no sign budget position going to change quickly – value for money rules
8 Implications ► All agencies need to be more oriented to their “value add” – for the government ► All agencies need to tune their flexibility – have had ups and downs over last 20 years ► Management needs to look through this stress & build quality – focus on people both at front line & back office
9 But: looking ahead in the labour market