The union representing Department of Human Services and Australian Tax Office workers is calling on the Morrison Government to reinstate jobs in regional drought affected areas.
The State of Public Service Report confirms that drought hit areas have lost 1,186 or 12% of APS jobs between 2013 and 2019. This equates to $85m ripped out of those local economies per annum, and over the next three years that over $253.7 million.
The CPSU is also calling for a substantial increase in overall APS staffing, with regional communities to be a priority recipient of that increased staffing.
As stated by Melissa Donnelly, National Secretary CPSU:
“The Morrison Government continues to rip jobs out of regional and drought affected areas. It is vital that these jobs are reinstated for ease of service delivery to these communities and in order to support their struggling economies.”
“The government needs to walk the walk on support to drought regions. Cutting jobs from frontline staff is not the answer.”
“If the Government was serious about increasing growth in these regions, they would restore these jobs and add new jobs to the existing APS regional footprint. This approach would also improve service provision in regional locations. Creating more frontline roles in the Department of Human Services (DHS), the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will ensure quick access to services and ensure these towns can stay alive.”
