Shocking Truth Behind TfNSW’s $600m Job Cuts: Only Half the Savings Promised

TfNSW’s Massive Job Cuts Fall Short of Promised Savings

The Public Service Association (PSA) has revealed that the axing of 950 Transport for NSW (TfNSW) jobs will save only $279 million, far less than the $600 million initially touted. The PSA alleges that Premier Chris Minns’ move is more about protecting executives than genuine reform.

Where Are the Savings Coming From?

• $279 million from internal labor savings (TSSM and award staff cuts)
• $54 million from workforce management (excess leave, overtime, deleting vacancies)
• $82 million from reducing external workforce (labor hire and contractors)
• $100 million from culling senior executives

Unfilled Vacancies Add to the Confusion

TfNSW has approximately 2,700 vacancies, with 2,200 being "unfunded" and thus not contributing to savings. Of the remaining 500, half have been vacant for over 12 months.

Senior Executives Under Fire

The PSA argues that senior executives should be the first to go, as Transport employs over 1,000—nearly three times the number in Health, despite having a quarter of Health’s workforce. However, termination payouts for executives (38 weeks’ pay) make this a costly move.

What’s Next?

The NSW government is now reviewing SES termination payouts, which could make it easier to reduce executive numbers in the future.