Queensland officially has a new premier, with the LNP’s David Crisafulli sworn in on Monday, 28 October, after defeating Labor’s Steven Miles in the state election on Saturday, 26 October. This marks the first time the Liberals have held government in Queensland since 2015.
The result has left many asking what this means for the state’s public service.
In one of his first acts as premier, Mr Crisafulli sent a letter to the state’s public servants in an attempt to reassure them there would be no cuts to the public service under his government.
“There will be no employment cuts to the public service workforce,” he said.
“Any views you may have heard otherwise are completely untrue”.
During the election campaign, concerns were raised about cuts to the public service. It comes after 14,000 public sector employees were sacked during Campbell Newman’s government from 2012 to 2015.
Mr Crisafulli, a minister in the Newman government, declared that he was well aware of the impact these cuts had had on the morale and productivity of the public service. Therefore, he was determined not to repeat the same mistake.
However, he said there could be changes in departmental leadership and structure. On Sunday, he sacked Department Of Premier And Cabinet Director General Mike Kaiser. Public Sector Commissioner David Mackie has been named acting director-general of the department.
Despite the changes in departmental leadership and structure, the new government is steadfast in its commitment to stability, believing it to be the cornerstone of a successful and productive public service.
“What we don’t want to see is the constant changes to government departments that we have seen in recent years – that doesn’t give the stability for the public service.” Mr Crisafulli said in a press conference after being sworn in.
What else does the new government have in store for the public service?
· Reduced Reliance on consultants: Prior to the election, the LNP committed to establishing a Queensland Government Consulting Agency, a move that is expected to offer advice and build capability within the public service. This initiative is estimated to eliminate the need for $6.8 billion worth of consultants over four years, signalling a positive change for the public service.
· Making the public service a more attractive proposition: During the campaign, then shadow treasurer David Janetzski highlighted the upcoming Brisbane Olympics as an opportunity to attract talent to Queensland’s public service. He also expressed his desire for public sector pay to be competitive with major corporations such as KPMG in order to make the public service an attractive career option.
· Increased traineeships: Prior to the election, the LNP flagged the increased use of traineeships so that young people could see a clear path in the public service.
· Whole of state focus: Mr Crisafulli has said he wants his ministers to get out and about and see as many public servants as possible across the whole state. This is in recognition that there is a lot of government work that goes on across the whole state, not just in government offices in Brisbane. Mr Crisafulli has said he would ideally like most public servants to do a regional stint at some point during their careers.
All in all, the future of the Queensland public service looks promising. If you have ever thought about a career in the Queensland public service, now could be the time to make a move.
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Article References
Calligeros, M (28 October 2024) ‘There will be no cuts’: Crisafulli’s letter to Queensland public servants’, Sydney Morning Herald, accessed 29 October 2024.
McCormack, M (29 October 2024) ‘David Crisafulli assures public servants there’ll be no job cuts’ Courier Mail, accessed 29 October 2024.
Walsh, L (24 October 2024) ‘In a costings reveal, Queensland’s LNP vows to chainsaw consultancy bill but Labor says it’s a ‘fantasy’, ABC News, accessed 29 October 2024.