A pay freeze for senior Tasmanian public servants has been condemned by the public sector union.
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Premier Peter Gutwein has announced that a wage increase for senior public servants, normally considered at this time of year, has been postponed until November.
He said the pay freeze did not reflect their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We have taken an incredible hit to our economy broadly, to State revenue, and many Tasmanians are facing hardships they have never faced before," Mr Gutwein said.
"In addition, we have provided unprecedented Government financial support to businesses and the Tasmanian community to lessen the economic impact of COVID-19 and, as a result, will need to take responsible decisions in coming budget cycles to rebuild a stronger Tasmania."
Community and Public Sector Union general secretary Tom Lynch said the wage freeze undermined Mr Gutwein's acknowledgement of their dedication which had "saved lives" during the pandemic
Mr Lynch said taking tough decisions in coming budgets would not help build a stronger Tasmania.
"By putting downward pressure on wages, he will undermine a recovery that is dependent on domestic demand," he said.
"There is no point the Gutwein government providing financial support to business if at the same time he imposes wage freezes that discourage those in work from spending in those businesses.
"Our economic recovery will rely on Tasmanians in jobs spending locally and supporting local businesses.
"The Premier's decision to freeze wages will shock many people into thinking twice before making discretionary spending decisions."
There are about 211 members of the Senior Executive Service who will be affected by the freeze.