Maitland Business Chamber has turned up the heat on the State Government to ensure 200 public sector jobs will stay in the city and is asking business operators to help with the campaign.
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The Mercury reported last month how 200 Public Service Association jobs could be lost or moved from Maitland to Newcastle, stripping the city's economy of $90 million a year.
The chamber will now step up its campaign and is asking business operators to have their say at the chamber's July 'Huddle' next week.
The chamber and Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison called on the government to guarantee local jobs will be safe after it was announced in the budget that 2500 "back office" jobs would be cut from the public sector. There are fears public servants working under a number of portfolios in Mineral House, Maitland may be moved.
Chamber President Judy Brown said she is frustrated there has been no response from the government despite calls from the chamber for answers. "The lives of those who work in this sector are in limbo," she said. "They want to move forward."
In June, a spokesperson for the Premier said there will be no public sector job losses in regional NSW under an employee expense savings measure. They said there had been record jobs growth in the regions.
Ms Brown hopes the government responds to the chamber's questions this week. "The chamber is not happy with the whole concept of losing 200 jobs and having to chase up an answer - it's very disappointing."
The July "Huddle" will be held in Stockland Green Hills' outdoor courtyard on July 30 at midday. "We're encouraging business people have a chat about issues like this. They don't have to be members just come in and have a say," Ms Brown said.
