Sydney bus PR job ads disappear amid concerns users want money spent on drivers
THE agency running Sydney’s bus network has been told to rip down three job ads for PR staff amid concerns that taxpayers would want bus drivers hired instead.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE agency running Sydney’s bus network has been ordered to rip down three job ads for PR staff amid concerns the “communications” gigs were a waste of money for taxpayers, who would want bus drivers hired instead.
The Daily Telegraph understands serious questions were raised at senior government levels about why the bureaucracy needs to spend another $400,000 protecting its image.
The hiring drive came after the State Transit Authority’s remit was narrowed this year with the privatisation of buses in the inner west.
Three ads were posted last week advertising a suite of PR jobs.
The bus network was offering a $161,000 package to recruit a “media and stakeholder relations manager”, a $145,000 package for a “communications manager” and $74,000 for a “communications co-ordinator”.
The apparent expansion of the team came after the STA hired a new director of communications on a lucrative package last year.
It is understood that when The Daily Telegraph inquired about the recruitment drive, Transport Minister Andrew Constance ordered the job ads be reviewed.
OPINION: THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH MEN ON SYDNEY BUSES
Mr Constance was furious money was being spent on unnecessary spin doctors instead of frontline services.
“My focus is on the customer and the recruitment of bus drivers and frontline staff,” Mr Constance said.
“I have asked State Transit to hold the recruitment of these (communications) roles for a further review.”
An STA spokeswoman said the roles had been advertised due to an “internal restructure” and there was no increase in staffing budget.
Yesterday, the only STA job advertisements online were for bus drivers.
Buses in the inner west will be run by a private company from July.