Still No Clarity On 5,000 I.T. Job Cuts

Media Release.

TUESDAY 11 JUNE 2013 

Shadow ICT Minister Tim Mulherin says the Newman Government has still not clarified how many of its 5,000 IT workers will lose their jobs or if planned changes will save any money for taxpayers.

“On ABC Radio this morning IT Minister Ian Walker refused to promise that the mass sackings and privatisation of government bodies such as CITEC will actually return any savings to taxpayers,” Mr Mulherin said.

“He was also unable, or unwilling, to put a figure on job losses. So we are left to ask if all 5,000 jobs will be cut or just some of them?"

“Also are the 5,000 IT jobs now under a cloud as part of the 66,000 positions the Premier and Treasurer have spoken about shedding over the next five years, or are they on top of that figure meaning 71,000 jobs are for the axe?"

“Having released the audit of government IT services last week Mr Walker must surely be in a position to know exactly what impact his sackings are likely to have."

“He needs to spell out those impacts, especially for regional communities where job losses can have a huge impact on local economies as people stop spending or move away to find new jobs."

“We have already seen those impacts courtesy of the 14,000 jobs cut in the Newman Government’s first State Budget last year."

“The 2013 State Budget is the same. It contains nothing but bad news and broken promises for Queenslanders."

“If they are not hit by job cuts they are disappointed and disadvantaged by the long list of promises the Premier has arrogantly broken when he committed to cut the cost of living."

“Instead of generating jobs and lowering household costs, the Newman Government seems determined to do exactly the opposite and hopes its huge majority will insulate it from any backlash,” Mr Mulherin said.