PM Transcripts

.) AUSTRA LAF6 7
FOR PRESSAUGUST 17, 1976
STAFF CEILINGS
The Government has decided on a further reduction in staff ceilings.
during 1976/ 77, for Government Departments and for authorities staffed
under the Public Service Act, of about two per cent.
The decision follows reductions announced on 14 June in staff ceilings
for Departments and authorities staffed under the Public Service Act
of 1.6 per cent, and reductions in ceilings for other statutory
authorities subject to ceilings of 0.9 per cent.
After allowance for the reductions announced in June, the total reduction
in ceilings in all areas of Commonwealth employment over 1976/ 77 now
being aimed at amounts to 2.5 per cent.
The further reductions in staff ceilings in the Budget context have been
made possible by the Government's overall programme of restraint in
expenditure. Within the Public Service Act area the Public Service Board has been
asked to control recruitment carefully, in order to achieve the
reductions by natural wastage and redeployment.
Ministers have been asked to keep me informed of any difficulties
encountered in achieving the new ceilings.
The Government wants to see its objectives achieved without personal
hardship to its employees and without impairing the services that
must be supplied to the Australian public.
00... F76/ 171