Federal public service added 10,000 middle managers in four years, then paid
The APS expanded Executive Level staff by 21 per cent then paid millions in redundancies.
The Australian Public Service Commission analyzed employment data. The APS expanded its Executive Level staff by 21 per cent over four financial years.
Growth was faster than lower and senior ranks. Between June 2025 and June 2026, operational staff fell by about 5,000.
Executive Level positions increased by more than 1,100. The expansion was different across agencies.
Services Australia had about 25 operational staff for every manager. Intelligence and defence agencies had many more senior roles.
In 2026, departments began offering voluntary redundancies targeting executives. Individual payouts often exceeded $100,000.
The Fair Work Ombudsman paid about $2.2 million for 13 executive exits. The National Indigenous Australians Agency paid about $9.7 million for 56 exits.
Experts warn the cuts risk losing institutional knowledge. Gaps in junior staff could leave inexperienced workers promoted too quickly.
- 21 percent in four years
- EL expansion
- More than 10,000
- Managers added
- 2.2 million dollars for 13 exits
- Fair Work Ombudsman redundancy cost
- 9.7 million dollars for 56 exits
- National Indigenous Australians Agency
Why it mattersTaxpayers funded a major expansion of middle management. Then the government spent millions reversing it. This raises questions about planning and efficiency.
AustraliaAustralian public service restructuring may affect government service delivery and efficiency as skilled mid-level staff exit through redundancy schemes.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
