CPSU's Stephen Jones talks to media after the Budget
The Community and Public Service Union has welcomed this morning's commitment from the Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner that public servants affected by Budget changes will be re-deployed.
However the CPSU will be stepping up its campaign to end the arbitrary ‘efficiency dividend' cuts which threaten the public service's ability to deliver for Australia's long term agenda.
CPSU National Secretary Stephen Jones said: "Some savings can be found, but the blunt, one-size-fits all ‘efficiency dividend' is not useful in building a dynamic, creative public service needed to deliver for Australia's long term challenges.
"The Rudd Government has delivered a solid, nation building budget. However Australia will need a good national public service if that nation building is to be put into practice long term.
"Rudd Government has an ambitious agenda from infrastructure to climate change. Australia will need a properly resourced public service to deliver these outcomes.
"The CPSU is pleased with will APS career transition centre outlined by Special Minister of State John Faulkner. This is a sensible approach. We look forward to working with the Government to ensure there are no forced redundancies and that people with skills and experience can remain in the Service.
"The Government claims they have only cut 1200 public service positions. However the CPSU has closely scrutinised the data overnight and can confirm that 3200 non-defence Australian public service positions will be lost," said Mr Jones.
For comment: Stephen Jones: CPSU National Secretary 0417 261 152
Media liaison
Ben Oquist: 0419 704 095
Dermot Browne: 0408 265 081
Contact details
Stephen Jones CPSU National Secretary Ph: 0417 261 152
