Budget cuts cutting
service says Union

Abolition of the efficiency dividend and no staff cuts to the Australian Public Service (APS) are among proposals for the Federal Budget put forward by the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU).
   In its submission to the 2013-14 Budget process the union also called for monitoring and limiting of insecure work arrangements in the APS, maintenance of regional employment levels and a collaborative approach to savings.
   “The CPSU seeks positive decisions on public sector jobs and public sector funding in the 2013-2014 Commonwealth Budget,” the union’s submission said.
End of efficiency dividend urged
   It said growth to meet increasing demand for services rather than staffing cuts should be included and a joint process to monitor and limit the use of insecure work arrangements such as through casual and contract staff and greater reliance on contracting and labour hire arrangements.
   “Budget cuts are affecting the ability of the APS to deliver high quality public services and public policy,” it said.
   “CPSU delegates overwhelmingly report that budget cuts are having a negative effect in their workplaces.”
   The union said a recent survey of more than 500 APS workplaces across the nation found three-quarters had seen a staffing reduction and reported increasing workloads; there had been a reduction in the quality of services provided in 64 per cent of workplaces; work previously undertaken was no longer being performed in nearly half of all workplaces; and there were longer client waiting times in most agencies.
   “The 2012-13 Budget forecast 4,228 federal public sector job losses,” it said. “There have actually been 5,400.
   “For the first time in over a decade the overall size of the public sector has shrunk.”
   The union’s submission said that at the same time, public sector agencies were increasing their use of insecure work arrangements.
   “The demands on the public sector are increasing, as Australia faces a range of complicated public policy challenges and an ageing and growing population,” the union said.
   “These pressures will increase over time.”
   The union’s submission can be accessed at this PS News link.
Edition 345, 22 January 2013
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