The Palaszczuk Government continues its commitment to ensuring public sector jobs and resources are where they are needed – delivering frontline services to the people of Queensland.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Public Service Commission figures for the March quarter, which were reflected in last month’s budget, saw an increase of 3,154 employees on the previous quarter with the majority working in the key service delivery areas of health and education.
“The increase is largely demand-driven with 2,481 teachers and teacher aides, doctors, nurses and health practitioners employed in the public sector over this period,” the Premier said.
“I know that these new frontline staff will be making a difference every day, whether it’s giving our kids the additional support they need to get ahead, ensuring every Queenslander can access health services quickly or keeping communities safe.
“The impact this will have on Queensland is in sharp contrast to the destruction under the LNP when Assistant Treasurer Deb Frecklington and Premier Campbell Newman sacked 5,490 education, health police and child safety staff in just under one year.”
LNP Frontline Cuts – Total 5,490
- Community Safety – 345
- Education – 405
- Health – 4,140
- Police – 215
- Child Safety – 385
“The net increases in Queensland Health and Department of Education in part represent the normal seasonal impacts associated with the commencement of graduate medical, nursing, allied health and teaching staff, as well as casual employees recommencing following the Christmas closure period,” the Premier said.
“It continues to be the case that more than nine out of every 10 public servantsare delivering frontline and frontline support roles, providing services direct to the community across the state.
“Our commitment to regional communities continues with 63.84% of our workforce providing public service to regional communities outside of Brisbane inner city and Brisbane suburbs.
“In addition to the growth in education and health there were another 42 positions providing direct support to frontline child safety and youth justice services.
“Some of the increase supports our commitment to youth employment opportunities and entry pathways with an intake of 24 new policy graduate officers and 24 new apprentices in the Department of Housing and Public Works.”
Queensland Corrective Services also had a net increase of 43.34 FTE, attributed to new Custodial Correctional Officer Recruits.
The Public Service Commission report can be found here and the quick facts here.
