The Winds of Change for Public Servants – The Unknown Factor

Are the employees of the public service being conned and held to ransom because of the inept and irresponsible behaviour of our politicians? While the bickering continues as to who should govern the nation, there is growing concern as to the instability of governance especially amongst public servants working in government departments which in turn has impacted on their service delivery to the general public.
If you’ve ever watched the British comedy TV series “Yes Minister,” you will understand the manner in which Parliament, Cabinet and political parties interact with each other and the dynamics of humour, innuendo, deceit, corruption and wheeling and dealings that go on behind the walls of power involving politicians and public servants.
One can compare the same dynamics that are going on before our very own eyes where two political parties are vying to oust the PM in order to gain control of government. How they do it poses a challenge but the reasons as to why, remains open to speculation. Street opinion polls appear divided therefore it is not entirely correct to assume that everyone is unanimously supportive of any move to oust the PM and his supposed band of renegade Ministers irrespective of the fact that they may be unpopular.
Perhaps political parties have misread the mood of the ordinary person on the street as public opinion and support seems to still be behind the PM in order to maintain stability and confidence in the economy. After all, he can only be described as a “survivor” even though many believe him to be incapable and lacking in leadership direction.
But apart from the continuing political shenanigans, what becomes of the public servants, the likely consequential target after any change of government? Currently going through their minds will be feelings of “am I going to lose my job” or how will I be able to get another job in order to earn a living?
It is common knowledge that the public service will be reviewed sooner rather than later and there is general acceptance to this notion on the basis of deteriorating service delivery but who is to blame in this unstable political environment? Nepotism within the public service and political interference are common factors that have influenced and contributed to the growing deterioration within the public service and it is unlikely this will change unless there is a genuine commitment to remove those with limited skills in leadership roles and who tend to play politics within their respective departments.
Already there are examples of some Ministries starting the “clean out process” where letters are being given to staff to tidy their act up or face removal. If there was justification to this behaviour, then that would be acceptable however, there is no clear policy direction both internally or externally that warrants such action being taken other than party political dislikes that will inevitably determine the fate of some of these public servants.
Sadly, sitting outside the public service are talented and capable Cook Islands people either working in areas of lesser responsibility in the private sector or unemployed because of political influence and party politics. One can easily blame politics for this however, the reality is that the public service has become an entity and dumping ground for employing political deadwood, family members or supporters of political parties who have shown loyalty to either the Minister of his/her political colleagues.
Where does that leave the public service? One thing for sure is that there needs to be an immediate change of culture within the management structures of the public service. Professional ethics and standards need to be brought back and leadership at the top should consist of a person who commands the respect of his/her workers rather than people with suave personalities who talk but show no action.
Unfortunately, while there are some very good public servants in the service, they have been branded because of the stigma of the lazy, couldn’t care less attitude of those who are only there because of their political masters and to draw a pay packet. This is evident by the number of complaints from the general public directed at poor service delivery and public relations.
The winds of change will once again befall all public servants who no doubt will be mindful of the 1996 experience, but let’s be realistic, if it is done properly and for the right reasons and in a caring and humane manner, public servants will have a better appreciation towards change so long as they are part of that process.
This current unstable political climate is a clear indication that change is inevitable but no matter what change is in store, the government of the day must be mindful of the risks especially as an election is on the horizon and one vote can make a big difference to winning a seat.

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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- Budget will decide if residents prosecute Government over landfill
- Forestry project sucking Mangaia dry
- Budget 2010 – fiasco or disaster?