Josh Frydenberg, Scott Morrison say public servants will help improve budget bottom line

The Coalition will put the onus on senior public servants to fulfil the government’s pledge to improve the budget bottom line.

The Coalition says it won’t be their job to decide how the public service will cut the $1b it has promised to improve the bottom line.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Finance Minister Simon Birmingham have unveiled the Coalition’s costings on Tuesday – four days before the election – while Labor is remaining tight-lipped on when it will do the same.

In releasing its costings, the Coalition says it has improved the budget bottom line by another $1bb, which improves the overall bottom line by $104bn over forward estimates.

In order to do so, though, the government will continue its “public service efficiency dividend” – essentially an annual reduction in funding of overall costs.

Those savings will come from the Australian Public Service.

Scott Morrison says the budget bottom line will be improved by cutting costs at the public service. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

Mr Morrison said the savings the Coalition was demanding were “entirely sensible” and something taxpayers “would be demanding”.

“It’s a budget of $327.3bn, which is where we’re seeking to shave $2.7bn off departmental expenses – so how they use accommodation, how they manage their administrative expenditure,” Mr Morrison said.

“If our senior public servants – and they’re paid quite well – if they can’t find $2.7bn out of a budget of $327.3bn – well … I’ve got a lot more confidence in them that they can achieve that.

“This is a sensible, practical measure.”

The Coalition says the cuts will not come from services.

Mr Morrison ruled out any cuts to the ABC.

“The ABC continues to not be subject to that dividend.”

The Coalition has submitted 35 costings to the departments of Treasury and Finance compared with zero from the opposition. Another two policies will be lodged to the departments on Tuesday.

Senator Birmingham said Australians could have confidence in the Coalition’s plan for “responsible economic management” because they had been able to demonstrate just that throughout the party’s history.

Originally published as Josh Frydenberg, Scott Morrison say public servants will help improve budget bottom line