Labor defends plan to save $6.4bn by cutting more consultants as experts call it a ‘lazy option’

While the government’s savings are a ‘worthy target’, achieving them ‘may not be a straightforward process’, some sayElection 2025 live updates: Australia federal election campaignPolls tracker; Election guide; Interactive seat explorerParty policies; Micro parties explained; Full election coverageListen to the latest episode of our new narrative podcast series: GinaGet ourafternoon election email,free app ordaily news podcastLabor’s plan to save $6.4bn by slashing the government’s use of consultants and external labour over four years is a “lazy option” that could “risk some reduction in service levels”, according to the former public service commissioner Andrew Podger.This is despite Labor’s claim the savings measure – which would require a re-elected Albanese government to increase the amount of core work being conducted by public servants – would not impact government services.Sign up for the Afternoon Update: Election 2025 email newsletter Continue reading...

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