Submissions in Response to Two Draft Bills That Seek to Make Changes to the Legislative Scheme Governing the Public Service
17 May 2021
The Public Service Amendment Bill (“the PSA Bill”) seeks to introduce some reforms that will contribute to the professionalism of the public service. The HSF welcomes these reforms, but expresses concern that the Bill falls far short of the comprehensive reform effort needed to professionalise the public service and insulate the public service from undue political interference.
In its submission, the HSF highlights further reforms that are needed to ensure the professionalisation of the public service, including:
That appointments and other career incidents in the public service be shielded from the influence of political actors; and
That the Public Service Commission—a ready-made constitutionally mandated independent entity—be given a role in the appointments process to guard against undue political interference.