What you said about Defence cut proposals

These proposed cuts in Defence and other departments underline the urgent need for the Federal government to provide a fully funded APS wide redeployment process. CPSU is calling for a commitment:

• to no 'involuntary' redundancies in the service
• that workloads will be adjusted along with staffing numbers
• to the development and introduction of an effective whole-of-government redeployment process
• that the 2% 'efficiency dividend' will be a one-off exercise.

Survey

CPSU asked members to let us know their views in an online survey. There has been a strong response so far and the answers given make for very interesting reading. Responses include:

“Each review of staffing levels for APS and uniformed personal in the past 10 years has reduced operational efficiency and Defence's capability.” GB

“There are savings to be made, however a leaner work force is not the answer –an efficient one is.” MD

“Cutting civilian staff puts more demands on uniformed personnel and contractors. This ultimately ends up costing more and reducing our operational capability at the sharp-end of defence.” JG

“We already struggle with the expectations placed on us for the services we provide.. We are restricted to when we can take leave, because we don't have 'spare' staff to cover. The idea of losing staff or having more responsibilities forced onto us at the APS2 level, infuriates me.” KD

“The whole concept of ‘savings’ is built on quicksand and if they proceed with culling the APS positions they will discover that ‘outsourcing’ is more expensive.” KH

“We are once more losing sight of the integration of civilian positions into the fabric of Defence requirements and business processes.” JM

“Stress levels in my area are sky high - and all we seem to worry about is governance: are the right signatures in the right square on the right bit of paper on the right date. Get rid of some of the governance lot and let us get on with what we were hired to do - support the fleet in being.” AM

“Operational APS staff are overloaded as is.” RW

Have your say here.

Three reasons to join CPSU today

1. Get an expert in your corner - for advice, support and representation.
2. Add your support to the CPSU push for no compulsory redundancies, a new service wide redeployment mechanism, fair funding and workloads.
3. Member only benefits - including insurance cover for travelling to/from work. Click here to join or call 1300 137 636.