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Full Story Newsroom edition: Dutton eyes Musk like cuts to the public service
Jan 30, 2025
Lenore Taylor, Editor-in-chief at Guardian Australia, joins the discussion on Peter Dutton's plans for significant public service cuts, branding it an Australian version of Elon Musk's tactics. They delve into the challenges journalists face in uncovering the truth during election season and the historical context behind such cost-cutting promises. The conversation also touches on the tricky balance of commuting and socializing in today's work culture, along with reflections on political controversies reshaping the public discourse.
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Vague Promises, Painless Cuts
- Cutting wasteful spending is a common political promise, often vague to avoid specifics.
- This tactic lets politicians reallocate funds for campaign promises without appearing to cause direct harm.
Dutton's 'Trumpian' Cuts
- Peter Dutton announced public service job cuts, echoing Trump's approach, but provided no details.
- Similar to Trump appointing Elon Musk, Dutton appointed Jacinta Price for government efficiency.
Public Sector Size
- Australia's public sector size, around 20%, is below the OECD average, having grown slightly recently.
- Labor added staff to address understaffing issues in programs like the NDIS and Services Australia.