Health Minister Michael Ferguson has refused to be drawn into speculation on who exactly will be affected by efficiency measures to be imposed by the government.
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During budget estimates on Tuesday, Mr Ferguson maintained he was committed to protecting essential frontline services in health.
It comes after news that treasury was working with agencies on implementing an efficiency dividend of 75 cents per $100.
Mr Ferguson said the savings would be made by cutting back on consultants, travel and advertising.
When asked by the Legislative Council what he defined as frontline services, Mr Ferguson said roles that provided a service to the community.
However, he would not be drawn into "cherry picking" the roles he did not constitute as frontline.
Labor health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell said she expected public service workers would be feeling quite "fearful" about their future.
Mr Ferguson said he and the government appreciated all those who worked to serve the community.
"As we carefully go through this process, we will of course treat people with complete respect," he said.
"But, if there are reform initiatives that can be engaged that can make our bureaucracy leaner and more efficient, which allows us to put the same resources, and keep resources in frontline service delivery, then I think frankly that is all of our obligation."
Mr Ferguson committed to providing the government's operational budget relating to consultants, travel and advertising in health, to the Legislative Council.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
