Steel Must Come Clean on Public Service Cuts as Housing ACT Staff Sound the Alarm

Canberra Liberals Leader Mark Parton today called on Treasurer Chris Steel to explain mounting evidence of workforce reductions across Housing ACT, after staff and union activity directly contradicted the Minister’s assurances that public service jobs remain secure.

During public hearings, the Treasurer stated, “We've been clear that the public service will continue to grow and the expenditure on employee expenses will continue to grow.”

Mr Parton said staff reported that nearly all external contractors were “let go earlier in the year,” and that they had now been told all remaining government contractors would be let go immediately.

“Why has the CPSU this week physically posted posters in various locations around Canberra with a heading job and HDA cuts in housing. The poster has details of online meetings for affected workers to talk to them about these cuts and how to fight them, if you're not slashing the public service, why is the CPSU advising its members on how to fight against you slashing the public service?”

The Treasurer retorted, “You can put those questions to the responsible minister.”

These posters direct affected Housing ACT workers to online meetings about the cuts and how to fight them. If the Barr Labor Government isn’t slashing the public service, why is the CPSU preparing its members for exactly that scenario? Why are they warning workers about job and allowance cuts if none exist?

“The Treasurer owes the Canberra community some straight answers. The stories emerging from staff and the actions of their union tell a very different story to the one Treasurer Steel continues to present.” Mr Parton said.

Under Labor, you pay more and get less.