Cap on public sector workforce announced
Source: Western Australia. Treasurer. Media Release
"The Liberal-National Government has announced an across-government ceiling on employee numbers. The ceiling has been set at the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions identified last May in the 2008-09 Budget, plus a factor to allow for the impact of implementing the Government’s September election commitments and other policy decisions to date. The all-up number for general government agencies is 99,155 FTEs, not including government trading enterprises. This tally is inclusive of extra staff resourcing promised in the election, such as the 500 extra police and 800 more nurses over the term of Government. Also, established positions currently vacant and to be filled will not be affected. Treasurer Troy Buswell said the ceiling would apply immediately, requiring all agencies to audit staff numbers and to review any plans to create new positions."