Gutwein denies job cuts

themercury.com.au

State Politics Editor

THE state government has no plans for job cuts in Tasmania’s public sector, despite the impact of coronavirus on the state’s economy and budget, Premier Peter Gutwein says.

In state parliament on Wednesday, Mr Gutwein was grilled by Greens leader Cassy O’Connor over what she de

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scribed as cost cutting in both the parks and child protection services.

Ms O’Connor pointed to a newsletter circulated by Parks boss Jason Jacobi, but Mr Gutwein denied job cuts were part of his budget agenda.

“I will be clear about this. On the subject of cuts to the public sector, now is not the time to cut the public sector.

“In terms of Mr Jacobi’s newsletter to staff, I have not seen that. I’m pleased that he is focused on stimulus.

“We have been transparent about the budget position, and the fact that we face a circumstance of significant deficits.

“But as I said, this is not the time to cut the public sector. Every job is valuable. Every job in our community will assist our broader economy.”

Mr Gutwein recited the details of the government’s budget measures and stimulus program, and said he was focused on prudent management.

“We know that we have to stimulate our economy, and importantly, regarding the work the public sector does, there are no cuts forecast for the public sector.

“We will need to invest where we can get best value for the dollars we spend,” he said.

Ms O’Connor said she was not reassured by the Premier’s comments.

“Last week, we confirmed Child Safety staff were being asked by management to trim expenditure,” she said.

“Today, the internal Parks and Wildlife Service newsletter from PWS Deputy Secretary Jason Jacobi to staff says they are looking closely at all options to ‘trim our cloth’.

“Child Safety, Parks and Wildlife – Tasmanians deserve to know what’s next for the public sector.

“We understand savings will have to form part of our pandemic response, but in departments that were already close to the bone pre-COVID this is a concern,” Ms O’Connor said.