Gary Humphries (ACT, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Materiel) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Privacy and Freedom of Information, upon notice, on 12 September 2011:

(1) Have staffing numbers in agencies within the Ministers portfolio been reduced as a result of the efficiency dividend and/or other budget cuts; if so, in which areas and at what classification.

(2) Are there any plans for staff reduction in agencies within the Ministers portfolio; if so, can details be provided i.e. reduction target, how this will be achieved, services/programs to be cut etc.

(3) What changes are underway or planned for graduate recruitment, cadetships or similar programs, and if reductions are envisaged can details be provided, including reasons, target numbers etc.

Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Privacy and Freedom of Information has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

National Archives of Australia:

(1) There has been no specific target for staff reductions to achieve savings however, staffing levels are being closely monitored and managed to achieve efficiencies.

(2) The Archives is currently implementing a policy of co-location with relevant state and territory archives offices in Darwin, Adelaide and Hobart. This has resulted in a target reduction of two positions in Darwin, three positions in Adelaide and two positions in Hobart by 1 May 2012. This reduction will be achieved through natural attricion.

(3) The Archives will begin participating in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet's graduate program from February 2012 and is currently reviewing the feasibility of introducing entry level programs.

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner:

(1) There has been no specific target for staff reductions to achieve savings, however, staffing levels are being closely monitored and managed.

(2) The OAIC does not have any staff reduction plans in place.

(3) No changes are underway or planned in relation to graduate recruitment, cadetships or similar programs.

Refer to QONs 1111, 1116, 1133, 1140, and 1148 for answers from other PM&C portfolio ministers.