The Opposition Australian Labor Party (ALP) has promised to abandon the ASL cap on Australian Public Service (APS) staffing levels and its efficiency dividend in the next financial year if elected and pay for the difference by cutting back on hiring consultants.
The ALP’s Finance and Employment spokesmen, Jim Chalmers (pictured) and Brendan O’Connor said the moves would save an estimated 550 jobs and ensure the experience, expertise and corporate memory was retained within the Public Service.
The spokesmen said their commitment would help ensure the APS offered taxpayers ‘bang for their buck’ and delivered the quality services all Australians rely on.
“Analysis of the AusTender website shows the Government has more than tripled labour hire spending, from $307.6 million in its first year in 2013-14, to more than $1.1 billion in 2017-18,” the two politicians said.
They said that contracts for management, businesses professionals and administrative services would be ‘reined in’ to address wasteful spending on contractors and consultants.
“Agencies would ensure APS employees take on a greater role in IT projects,” they said.
They said that where appropriate, Public Service work should be done by public servants.
The pair also took aim at PS travel expenses saying they had grown to more than half a billion dollars a year, despite staff levels falling.
“On travel, Labor will reduce travel spending across the Public Service by 10 per cent.
“Travel is often beneficial and necessary, but more can be done to get spending under control, including a greater focus on alternatives such as tele and video conferencing.”
The promises were welcomed by the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) with National Secretary, Nadine Flood describing them as “strong and sensible commitments”.
“These policies recognise that the Public Service has a vital role to play in our society, and exists to serve our entire community and not just government,” Ms Flood said.
