Federal welfare department loses 150 middle managers as redundancies spark
Nearly 150 middle managers took redundancy from Australia's Department of Social Services in 2025-26. Staff satisfaction dropped 17 percentage points.
Nearly 150 middle managers took redundancy packages from Social Services during 2025-26. The staff departure went with a sharp morale crisis.
Staff who would recommend the department as a good place to work fell about 17 percentage points from 2025. The department approved 302 voluntary redundancies overall.
This cost about $26.6 million between July 2025 and May 2026. Nearly half of those who left were executive-level staff.
The highest individual payout went to an EL2 officer. Others in the same band received between $173,000 and $178,000.
Staff told the Canberra Times that poor communication caused discontent. A gap also grew between how front-line managers and senior leaders were seen.
Staff said executives lacked accountability. Employees report feeling under-staffed and burnt out, with not enough management support.
- Nearly 150
- Middle managers who left
- 302
- Total redundancies accepted
- $26.6 million
- Total redundancy cost
- 47 per cent
- Executive level departures
Why it mattersWhen a major government department loses experienced middle managers and morale drops, it risks delays in service delivery. Remaining staff risk burnout.
AustraliaThe federal Department of Social Services processes welfare payments and support for millions of Australians; staff shortages and low morale could affect service quality and wait times.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 11 d ago
