
Issue No 20		02 July 1999

News

Its Official. Howard's Public Sector Cuts Hurt Everyone

By Dermott Browne - CPSU national communications officer

The Federal Auditor-General has criticised the way Howard Government handled the cutting of tens of thousands of public service jobs during its first two years in office.

The 190 page report, tabled this week, claims that public-service managers were put under pressure to cut staff numbers quickly, and consequently gave little strategic thought to the future of their workforces or their departments' ability to perform their duties. The report also point out the cuts have a disproportionately effect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait staff and disabled staff.

The Government has yet to respond to the report.

The CPSU has welcomed the report, saying it vindicates its opposition to the Howard Government's massive downsizing and highlights the negative effect these cuts have had on the Public Service's ability to retain experienced staff, deliver services and provide policy advice.

Assistant National Secretary of the CPSU, Doug Lilly, said, "This report confirms that the Government's cuts to the Public Service have gone too far. Public Service staff, and the community, deserve a better deal."

The CPSU has called on the Government to use this report as an opportunity to move away from downsizing and embrace more creative ways of keeping the staff needed to provide accountable and accessible public services.

"We would be happy to see the Auditor's call for a strengthened redeployment framework taken up by the Government and we look with interest to a response from Minister Kemp." said Mr Lilly.

At a glance:

ANAO Report into Public Service Redundancies:

- Many agencies have put their on-going performance and essential corporate knowledge at risk by focussing on the short-term financial gain of 'letting people go'.

- The loss of experienced staff and the proportional rise of staff with only two years or less experience may effect the ability of the public service to conduct its business.

- The highest proportion of staff retrenched were aged 50 or over, and had more than 10 years experience

- There have been a disproportionately large number of retrenchments among disabled staff and Aboriginal and Torres Islander staff

- Recruitment to the Public Service is at its lowest level in 10 years

- Expenditure on staff development tended to fall during periods of staff reductions

- Agencies need to monitor and evaluate staff reductions more close to ensure they can still deliver services and identify any unintended effects.

- Agencies should "improve the level of support" they provide to those staff remaining in the organisation following a round of redundancies

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  Issue 20 contents

Interview: They�re Not All Bastards
The Australian Industry Group�s Roger Boland is one employer representative who believes trade unions will continue to play an important role in the economy - and society - of the future.

Unions: Always the Pay is No Good
Fair Wear's campaign for clothing industry homeworkers is changing the way we think about consuming.

History: A Refreshing Advance
Women workers organising in the NSW Rail and Tramways Department Refreshment Rooms in the 1920s.

International: MAI Back on the Agenda
After being ditched in the wake of an international cyber-protest, the World Trade Organisation is trying to salvage the MAI from the ashes.

International: Courage Against the Odds
A Cuban trade union leader urges for a 30 year blockade to be lifted, with a fundraiser to be held this Thursday.

Review: Without You I'm Nothing
British pop music doesnt come any better than Placebo.

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» Its Official. Howard's Public Sector Cuts Hurt Everyone

» Hard-Hats Only as Builders Strip for Outworkers

» Unions Unite to Protect Jobs in the Bush

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» Workers Online Turns 21!