Public Service Jobs Growth Under Albanese
The Australian public service has seen a significant increase in jobs since Anthony Albanese's Labor government took office in 2022. Analysis of public service data reveals that thousands of the 36,000 new positions are in departments critical to national security and service delivery for Australians.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has criticized this growth, calling it wasteful and inflationary. He has pledged to cut "public service waste" if elected, citing the 36,000 new jobs as a "recipe to please the unions." He has also linked these jobs to a cultural backlash in the United States against workplace initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion.
However, analysis shows that the vast majority of new positions are directly connected to key public service agencies. Over 5,700 jobs have been added across Defence, Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Federal Police, and the Australian Submarine Agency. Additionally, 4,000 jobs have been added at Services Australia, including Centrelink, and another 4,150 at the National Disability Insurance Agency.
Labor has defended the growth, highlighting the need for additional staff to address backlogs and improve service delivery. They have also challenged Mr. Dutton to explain where he would make cuts, warning that reducing the public service could threaten Australia's borders and undermine service delivery.
Mr. Dutton has promised not to cut frontline positions and says the Coalition will "bolster" some services. However, he has refused to detail his planned cuts before the election. He has suggested that shrinking the public service could save $24 billion over four years, which could be used to pay down debt or put downward pressure on inflation.
The debate over the size and role of the public service is likely to continue in the lead-up to the federal election.
10 Comments
Marishka
“Adding thousands of jobs in government isn’t boosting security—it’s risking inefficiency and runaway costs.”
Katchuka
“Investing in government roles is an investment in a safer, more efficient Australia. Good on Labor!”
Eugene Alta
“Adding thousands of jobs across Defence, Home Affairs, and other key agencies is exactly what the country needs.”
Matzomaster
“Strong government agencies contribute to a secure nation. More jobs in these departments is a win for all Australians.”
Rotfront
“It’s refreshing to see an administration investing where it counts, making sure our services run smoothly.”
Raphael
“The idea of saving billions by cutting waste is appealing—why then are we adding 36,000 positions?”
ZmeeLove
“These new positions are not wasteful—they ensure our national security agencies are well-staffed in uncertain times.”
Muchacha
“More jobs in Defence and services should not come at the cost of fiscal responsibility. Count me out.”
Habibi
“Every extra position in agencies like the AFP and Services Australia translates into better public services and protection.”
Coccinella
“This isn’t strategic spending—it’s a gamble on adding layers of inefficiency to a system that’s already overstaffed.”