“[Under] the Morrison government ... the only area of public service that saw an increase in staffing levels appears to have been parliamentary staff,' said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. | katinacurtis auspol
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says it isn’t fair crossbench politicians want twice as much staff as government backbenchers, especially at a time when other areas of the public service have suffered cuts, leading to blowouts in passport, Centrelink and visa processing times.
Albanese said he did not buy the argument that independents and minor party MPs had to do more work than government or opposition representatives.“What concerns me is that [under] the Morrison government – at the same time as they were cutting Centrelink staff, people can’t get passports, visas can’t get processed – the only area of public service that saw an increase in staffing levels appears to have been parliamentary staff.
“It’s up to the member or senator to determine how they use their staff. But staff attached to that person have to do a range of work, and they work hard,” she said.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Oslo shootings won’t stop fight against hate, says Norway’s prime ministerJonas Gahr Støre joined mourners, church leaders and royalty at the memorial service to the victims of the attack
Read more »
‘Recent phenomenon’: Albanese doubles down on cuts to crossbench staff numbersPrime Minister Anthony Albanese says it isn’t the case that crossbench politicians have to do more work than major party backbenchers and so need more staff.
Read more »
Crossbench staff cuts create 'unfair playing field', David Pocock says, as Anthony Albanese defends decisionThe prime minister is defending a decision to reduce the number of parliamentary staff for crossbenchers, amid criticism the cuts will create an 'unfair playing field'. auspol
Read more »
Furious crossbench senators threaten to vote against Labor legislation after staff cutsTwo key Senate crossbenchers are threatening to vote against government legislation after the prime minister slashed the number of advisers they will have in the new parliament.
Read more »
Australia news live update: Anthony Albanese on way to Madrid for Nato summit; crossbench fury at staff cutAustralia news live update: Albanese on way to Madrid for Nato summit; crossbench fury at staff cut
Read more »
Ministers defend Albanese’s move to cut independent MP staffCabinet ministers have defended Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s move to cut the staffing budgets of independent and minor party MPs as “common sense”.
Read more »