Coalition proposes public servant job cuts in Canberra

In the lead-up to the federal election, the Coalition has proposed a hiring freeze on public service jobs if they gain power. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton claims this would reverse Labor's increase of 41,000 public servants, saving about $7 billion annually. Canberra's political landscape remains steady, with Labor holding strong in all three ACT electorates. Despite their usual campaign focus away from the capital, the Coalition's plans to cut jobs are likely to spark debate among voters about the public service's role. Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor clarified that job cuts would come through a hiring freeze. This strategy relies on the natural attrition rate of the current large public service workforce, which included 213,349 employees heading into the next financial year. Local leaders, including Labor's Katy Gallagher and Independent David Pocock, reacted strongly. They argue that these cuts would harm Canberra's economy, potentially shrinking its gross product by up to $2 billion yearly if implemented. The debate puts pressure on the Coalition as they work to regain influence after losing a seat in 2022. The outcome now depends on how voters in the ACT evaluate the Coalition's proposals and their impact on the public service.