MORE THAN 750 positions have been shed from the Tasmanian public sector this financial year, with exit packages costing taxpayers $25.7 million. Treasurer Peter Gutwein yesterday confirmed that the government had cut the equivalent of 766 full-time equivalent positions, including 221 from the Department of Health and Human Services. The Department of Education lost 287 positions, however that figure is expected to come down to around 250 by the end of June. The update shows the government has spent a total of $25.7 million on voluntary redundancies and early retirement packages. Mr Gutwein said the figures showed the government had done the "heavy lifting". "The government will deliver the savings needed to put the budget on track for surplus," he said. "We will continue to provide the public services that Tasmanians need and deserve, and provided by a public service that Tasmania can afford." Opposition Leader Bryan Green said the government should not be congratulating itself for getting rid of public servants. "They promised to sack 500 - he [Mr Gutwein] is patting himself on the back today, telling everyone how good he is because he's sacked 700," Mr Green said. "There are another 500 to lose their jobs and he's all smiles about that as well." The government plans to cut a total of 821 positions from the public sector by the end of June.
MORE THAN 750 positions have been shed from the Tasmanian public sector this financial year, with exit packages costing taxpayers $25.7 million.
Treasurer Peter Gutwein yesterday confirmed that the government had cut the equivalent of 766 full-time equivalent positions, including 221 from the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Department of Education lost 287 positions, however that figure is expected to come down to around 250 by the end of June.
The update shows the government has spent a total of $25.7 million on voluntary redundancies and early retirement packages.
Mr Gutwein said the figures showed the government had done the "heavy lifting".
"The government will deliver the savings needed to put the budget on track for surplus," he said.
"We will continue to provide the public services that Tasmanians need and deserve, and provided by a public service that Tasmania can afford."
Opposition Leader Bryan Green said the government should not be congratulating itself for getting rid of public servants.
"They promised to sack 500 - he [Mr Gutwein] is patting himself on the back today, telling everyone how good he is because he's sacked 700," Mr Green said.
"There are another 500 to lose their jobs and he's all smiles about that as well."
The government plans to cut a total of 821 positions from the public sector by the end of June.
