FOR PRESS 17 DECEMBER 1976
PUBLIC SERVICE TRANSFERS TO CANBERRA
The Commonwealth Government has approved the transfer to
Canberra of some 440 Public Service and Defence Service'
positions in 1977 and 1978. The transfers will continue the
consolidation in Canberra of the policy advising elements Of
Commonwealth Government departments currently located i~ n
Melbourne. A small number of other positions will be transferred
from Sydney and Adelaide in the interests of increased
administrative efficiency. Apart from an overall increase in
the efficiency of government administration the transfers
will also lead to reduced government expenditure on travel and
communication costs in the longer term.
The transfers of staff to Canberra will help ease growth pressures
in the capital cities, especially in the central business
district of Melbourne, and at the same time provide a stimulus
to the construction and service industries in Canberra..
The transfers underline the strength of the Cominonweal-ih Governmentt:
commitment to Canberra as the Seat of Government.
In accordance with the commitment previously given to staff
organisations, the Public Servants affected will receive at least
12 months notice of transfer.
The main departments and authorities affected are:
Department Department Department of Transport 106 policy positions currently located
in Melbourne
of Construction 30 policy positions from Melbourne
and the Overseas Works Branch
( 3S positions) from Sydney
of National Resources 39 policy positions and four
positions in the Bureau of
Mineral Resources, all currently
in Melbourne. ./ 2
Department of Defence 209: 164 Service and 45 civilian positions
concerned with health services, quality
assurance, Service recruiting, and
transport, and Army material.
Some small elements of other departments will also transfer,
mainly for reasons of administrative efficiency.
The transfer of other policy groups is still under consideration.