ACT front-line workers offered redundancy deals as budget tightens
The ACT Justice and Community Safety Directorate offered voluntary redundancy payouts. Firefighters, paramedics and prison guards could apply.
ACT authorities announced voluntary redundancy offers to about 2,600 staff in emergency services and corrections. The government is searching for budget savings.
Rising costs and growing demand are the reasons. No specific departments or worker numbers were targeted.
The Community and Public Sector Union condemned the decision. The union warned that cuts could harm public safety in emergency services.
This is especially important with bushfire season approaching. Staff have until November 11 to express interest in redundancy packages.
- About 2,600
- Eligible staff
- November 11
- Interest deadline
- Rising costs and growing demand
- Reason cited
Why it mattersJob cuts in emergency services could slow ambulance response times and reduce firefighter availability when communities need them most.
AustraliaCanberra residents may face longer emergency response times if fire and ambulance services lose experienced staff during a critical period ahead of the bushfire season.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
