Question regarding planned cuts to the WA public service, specifically which positions will be cut and the rationale behind the decision. The Premier's response deflects by referencing opposing criticisms and highlighting a focus on frontline services and fiscal responsibility through voluntary severance packages.

⏳ Awaiting AnswerQoN 286Legislative Assembly
Asked
13 May 2026
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

Public service—Staffing286.Mr Jonathan Hustonto thePremier:I refer to the
Premier's planned and budgeted 1,500 cuts to the Western Australian public
service. Which positions will be cut, and why did the Premier find it important
to do this now?Mr Roger Cook replied:The member for
Cottesloe, the shadow Treasurer, says we are spending too much. The member for
Nedlands says we are not spending enough. We get this same confusing message
day after day. Obviously, we are focused on frontline workers. We are focused
on frontline services, and, as a normal part of this process, we need to
undertake fiscal strategies to ensure that we continue to manage our finances
in a strong way. That is the reason we are offering a voluntary severance
package for those workers who are not providing frontline services so that we
can continue to refine and reform the WA public service.
Public service—Staffing
286.Mr Jonathan Hustonto thePremier:
I refer to the
Premier's planned and budgeted 1,500 cuts to the Western Australian public
service. Which positions will be cut, and why did the Premier find it important
to do this now?
Mr Roger Cook replied:
The member for
Cottesloe, the shadow Treasurer, says we are spending too much. The member for
Nedlands says we are not spending enough. We get this same confusing message
day after day. Obviously, we are focused on frontline workers. We are focused
on frontline services, and, as a normal part of this process, we need to
undertake fiscal strategies to ensure that we continue to manage our finances
in a strong way. That is the reason we are offering a voluntary severance
package for those workers who are not providing frontline services so that we
can continue to refine and reform the WA public service.

AnswerView source ↗

This question is awaiting a response from the Minister.

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