7am ‘They’re panicking’: Why Dutton reneged on job cuts and work from home
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Apr 7, 2025 
Jason Koutsoukis, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, dives into Peter Dutton's surprise reversal on public sector job cuts, revealing the mounting panic within the coalition. They discuss the implications of Dutton's decision to abandon forced layoffs and the impact on voter trust. Koutsoukis highlights how this backtrack raises questions about funding for future election promises. The conversation also touches on Dutton's leadership stability and strategic shifts in response to voter concerns about economic issues and political instability.
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Policy Reversal Reasons
- The Coalition reversed its policy on public servant office returns due to its unpopularity and potential impact on private sector work-from-home arrangements.
- This unpopularity extended beyond Canberra, affecting voters nationwide and influencing their voting decisions.
Public Sector Cuts
- Dutton's plan to reduce public servant numbers through attrition seems unrealistic given the recent increase in public sector employment.
- His rhetoric focuses on sacking public servants to appeal to middle-class voters, playing into the narrative of unproductive bureaucrats.
Trump Comparison
- Dutton's alignment with Trump's approach to public service may be hurting him, as voters associate Trump with chaos.
- This comparison benefits Albanese, positioning him as a stable alternative.