Public Service Cuts a Start, Not a Finish

Reacting to the latest Public Service Workforce figures, the Taxpayers’ Union says it’s a good start but there is still a long way to go. The new data shows the public service has dropped by 1,568 since the last election from 64,222 in September 2023 to 62,654 full time equivalent roles, including a 0.9 percent decrease in the quarter from March to June.

Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf says:

“It’s encouraging to see the public service finally heading in the right direction, but we’re still a long way from where we need to be.”

“Even after this reduction, there are more than 15,000 extra workers compared to under the last National Government. While some of that may be frontline work we need, far too many bureaucrats remain in bloated back offices and policy shops.”

“This is a step forward, but it can’t be the last one. The Government needs to stay the course and keep trimming back the bureaucracy.”