O'Farrell slashes 15,000 jobs but boosts own department
Posted: Wednesday, 13 June 2012 | By: John Robertson
The NSW Opposition is demanding the Premier explain why he increased funding to wasteful programs in the Premier's Department by $29 million, but at the same time is slashing 15,000 jobs across the State.
"Barry O'Farrell needs to explain why he has given his own department a budget boost of $29 million for wasteful programs while cutting 15,000 workers from local schools, hospitals and police stations," said Opposition Leader, John Robertson.
"This year the Premier's department will spend 68 per cent more on glossy brochures, 37 per cent more on staff for the Premier and four per cent more on advertising.
"The unit responsible for morning teas and lunches will get a whopping $13.9 million increase – a 13 per cent jump on last year's budget.
"Meanwhile there are thousands of people going to work today with an axe hanging over their heads – from fire fighters to school cleaners and hospital catering staff.
"These workers deserve an explanation from their Premier. Why has his budget gone through the roof, but 15,000 workers are facing the sack?
"Just last week, Barry O’Farrell said he would 'root out waste and mismanagement where it occurs'.
"Well, it is occurring in his own department.
"The evidence is mounting that Barry O'Farrell's budget is built on lies and broken promises," said Mr Robertson.
In the budget papers 2012-13, under the heading 'Department of Premier and Cabinet: Service Group' the following funding increases are detailed:
- NSW 2021 Plan leadership and support - increased from $4.1 from in 2011/12 to $7 million in 2012/13, a 68.9 per cent increase;
- Policy support - increased from $27.9 million in 2011/12 to $38.2 million in 2012/13, a 36.8 per cent increase.
- Administrative support for Government - increase from $105.9 million in 2011/12 to $119.8 million in 2012/13, a 13.1 per cent increase;
- Communications and advertising - increased from $5.4 million in 2011/12 to $5.6 million in 2012/13, 4.3 per cent increase; and
- Personnel services - increased from $55.9 million in 2011/12 to $57.6 million in 2012/13, an increase of three per cent.
ANOTHER BUDGET BROKEN PROMISE
"We will root out waste and mismanagement wherever it occurs." – Barry O'Farrell, SMH, June 5, 2012.
Tags: Barry O'Farrell, budget, jobs, John Robertson