Premier reassures public servants after treasurer forecast budget gloom

Premier David Crisafulli has sought to assure public servants their jobs are “secure” after his government’s Mid-Year Financial Economic Review forecast debt would rise to $217.8 billion by 2027-28.

Treasurer David Janetzki presented a grim outlook on Thursday, saying it was “highly likely” that Queensland would lose its AA+ credit rating – comments shadow treasurer Shannon Fentiman said were “exaggerated” and would themselves put that rating at risk.

In the week before last year’s state election, Queensland’s public sector union warned that the LNP would, having gained access to Treasury’s books, find reasons to cut staff.

A screen grab from Premier David Crisafulli’s address to Queensland’s public servants. Credit: Screenshot - Queensland Government

“In November at the first sitting week of parliament, the LNP will announce that the budget position is worse than expected and that the debt position is unsustainable,” Together union secretary Alex Scott emailed members in October.

“Every new government does this as an attempt to justify ditching election promises and to soften up the community for cuts to existing programs.”

Janetzki delivered the MYFER on Thursday, two months later than Together’s timetable.

Heading off public sector angst about Queensland’s budgetary position, Crisafulli sent a recorded message to employees to acknowledge there were challenges ahead, but “challenges that can be overcome”.

“We made a lot of promises before the election around a focus on turning around service delivery, and I want you to know that we remain as committed to that as ever, and it will only happen with a secure and an energised public service,” he said.

“You will hear a lot of commentary in the days ahead, but I wanted you to hear it from me that my commitment to a world-class public service and the security that comes with that remains steadfast.

“More than that, I want to lead a government that listens to the public service, and I hope that you’ve seen interactions that prove that we are committed to making sure that people have a voice and that we can drive the change that Queenslanders need.”

The Together union declined the opportunity to comment.

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