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Ben Ross @benakl.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Then workers like myself get absolutely fragged when we mention something ever so slightly non beige while getting yelled PUBLIC SECTOR NEUTRALITY

PERFECTLY NORMAL @nzpom.com · 17/09/2026

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Letter from Brian Roche to the PSA

The PSA's 'Change the Government' postcards have come to my attention. We have received a number of queries from agencies and public servants, including delegates, who sought clarification about this in the context of public sector political neutrality.

I have considered the matter and my view is that the postcards are clearly election advertising, and that to display or distribute them in public service workplaces is in conflict with our Election Guidance and the broader requirement for public service agencies to uphold the principle of political neutrality.

Public servants and the Public Service need to be kept safe from any accusations around political neutrality. I am disappointed that public servants have been put in the unacceptable position where they have been asked to display and distribute material clearly inconsistent with our guidance.
As you know our election guidance explains what is expected of public servants before, during, and after the election. In relation to the postcards, the most relevant sections are:
- The public sector must be politically neutral at all times, including in relation to elections, by-elections and referendums.
- Unions can conduct their activities at workplaces and can share their approach to party policies with their members. Union material must not be displayed in any areas of the agency that are accessible to the public.

Agencies must take care to ensure that any material hosted on agency's premises is not classified as election advertising under the Electoral Act 1993.

An election advertisement is anything that may be reasonably regarded as encouraging or persuading voters to vote, or not vote, in a particular way. They require the inclusion of a promoter statement. I consider the PSA postcards, which include a promoter statement, to be election advertising.