Council staff cut in move on costs

FIVE Glenorchy City Council workers have been made redundant as part of a plan to bring the council’s finances back to black – and the council’s childcare services could be next on the chopping block.

The redundancies come as the general manager reviews the council’s core and non-core services.

In a letter to staff, general manager Tony McMullen said the council had been “in the red” for 10 of the past 12 financial years.

He said measures were needed to get back in the black.

“The decision to make these positions redundant was made on the grounds of improving council’s financial sustainability – and is, in no way, a reflection on the performance or calibre of those affected,” Mr McMullen said in the letter.

“Council authorised me on 30 May 2022 to carry out a targeted review – focusing on those services which a majority of aldermen consider to be ‘non-core’. Council’s focus is on a ‘back to basics’ approach which ensures strong council services for the Glenorchy community.”

In June, the council approved its budget for the 2022-23 financial year which forecast a deficit of $4.5m and predicts a return to surplus in 2026-27.

The council has budgeted a $31.5m capital works program, which includes $9.6m for new and upgraded facilities at KGV, $11.8m for roads and footpaths and $3.5m for a new playground at Goodwood.

The review will soon look into the council’s community department in the areas of community development, arts and culture, and childcare.

“While, as usual, we are always looking to improve the efficiency of what we do at council, there are no other services areas identified as part of this targeted review,” Mr McMullen said in his letter.

“I acknowledge that this has been a challenging process and I ask for your patience and cooperation as we bed the new structure down.”

Australian Services Union secretary Lisa Darmanin said the services being reviewed were core services.

“Any attempt to redefine these services as ‘non-core’ will be rejected by members of Glenorchy’s communities who value them,” she said.

“Any cuts to community development and wellbeing or arts and culture programs will leave huge service gaps and residents will lose out.”

Ms Darmanin said rumours of the service review had left staff in limbo as early as March.

“A council-directed service review has led to understaffing and service neglect,” Ms Darmanin said.

“Glenorchy City Council staff are experiencing excessive workload pressures because management is dragging its heels on filling vacancies and making much-needed investments in existing services.”