PM Transcripts

. RJMA US TRA L I S
PRIME MINISGTER
FOR PRESS 14 JUNE 1976
PUBLIC SERVICE AND STATUTORY AUTHORITY STAFF CEILINGS
A review has been made of staff ceilings for the
Public Service and statutory authorities for 1976/ 77. In line
with the Government's announced economic policies, the review
took account of decisions taken by the Government to bring about
economies in programs and activities, and our continuing
determination to ensure that departments and authorities operate
as efficiently as possible.
Following the review, I have approved staff ceilings
for 30 June 1977 which, overall, will have the effect of
reducing the ceilings in Commonwealth departments, and in those
authorities for which staff ceilings are set, from 326,400 to
322,357, an overall reduction of 1.2% o Staff ceilings under the
Public Service Act -I be reduced by 1 o6% and ceilings for other
statutory authori-i's by 0.9%.
I am reminding all Ministers of the importance of
achieving the revised ceilings as part of the Government's
intention to' conftain overall Commonwealth expenditure.
I have also directed that staff ceilings be kept under
continuing review during 1976/ 77, a0nd that I be kept informed oi
progress towards achieving the ceilings set, any difficulties
which might be encountered by individual departments or authorities
in reaching their ceilings, and potential areas where further
reductions might be made.
The ceilings now approved for 30 June 1977 will be subject
to further review and possible adjustment in the light of the
Government's Budget decisions, and decisions yet to be taken on the
reports of the Administrative Review Committee and other relevant
enquiries. -7~