Federal Member for Fraser Bob McMullan, Federal Member for Canberra Annette Ellis and Senator for the ACT Kate Lundy have expressed their deep concern about apparent plans from Shadow Minister for Finance Senator Barnaby Joyce to take an axe to Canberra’s public service.
Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, Senator Joyce said that with respect to public service jobs it was essential to “control costs now”. Senator Joyce stated: “You’ve got to cut the suit to fit the wearer.”
Earlier today on ABC radio, Senator Joyce was asked what areas the money would be cut from to fund the Coalition’s climate change policy.
He said: “If you have a look at the, their explosion of their costings, for instance, in the public service.”
The ACT Labor representatives said they were concerned but not surprised to learn about Senator Joyce’s intentions.
“When the Howard Government took power in 1996, they took an axe to the public service in Canberra, cut tens of thousands of local jobs, and helped cause a local recession,” the ACT representatives said.
“It now seems clear that if an Abbott Government were elected later this year, Senator Joyce would be all too happy to do the same again.
“I think we stand for every local Canberra family in saying that Abbott and Joyce should come clean on how many ACT-based public service jobs they intend to cut.”
The ACT Labor representatives called upon ACT Liberal Senator Gary Humphries to speak out against Senator Joyce’s radical plans.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Brenton Sloane (Ellis) 0431 252 698
Sam Casey (McMullan) 0421 697 660
Annika Hutchins – 0407 458 882 (Lundy)
