Coalition's Controversial Plan to Cut 41,000 Public Servant Jobs Sparks Outrage in Canberra

When political parties strategize their election campaigns, they rarely prioritize visits to Canberra, the nation's capital, despite spending significant time there. However, this year, the Coalition is making headlines with its commitment to a hiring freeze on public service jobs if elected, which could lead to a significant reduction in the workforce.

Hiring Freeze to Cut Public Servant Jobs

Opposition leader Peter Dutton says he will make cutbacks to the public service if elected. (ABC News: Ian Cutmore)

In his budget reply speech, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton declared, "We'll reverse Labor's increase of 41,000 Canberra public servants, saving about $7 billion a year." The current government's budget indicates that public service staff numbers are set to rise to 213,349, an increase from the previous year.

As of June 30 last year, only 36.9% of the public service workforce was based in Canberra, raising questions about the impact of Dutton's proposed cuts.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor says the public service job cuts would be achieved through a hiring freeze. (ABC News: Ian Cutmore)

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor emphasized that the cuts would be implemented through a hiring freeze, relying on the natural attrition rate within the public service.

'Element of Canberra Bashing': Public Service Minister

ACT Labor Senator Katy Gallagher expresses concerns over the Coalition's stance. (ABC News: David Sciasci)

ACT Senators, including Labor's Katy Gallagher, criticized Dutton's remarks, suggesting there is an element of Canberra bashing in the opposition's strategy. Gallagher stated, "It's clear they want to blame Canberra, point the finger at public servants, and demean the job they do."

Independent Senator David Pocock warned that the proposed cuts could have a disastrous effect on the local economy, potentially shrinking the ACT's gross territory product by $1.5 billion to $2 billion annually.

The Coalition's proposal has sparked a fierce debate, with local senators using it as campaign material ahead of the upcoming elections, leaving voters to decide what the capital truly needs.