Leaked memo reveals budget cuts for emergency services

The government says it will increase police numbers despite a leaked memo showing budget cuts looming for the state’s emergency services. Here’s the latest.

Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Felix Ellis speaks to the media at Cambridge on Monday, July 8, 2024.

The government says it will increase police numbers despite a leaked memo showing budget cuts looming for the state’s emergency services.

A memo to staff from Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Services secretary Donna Adams says the department will have its $500m a year budget cut by $35m over the next four years.

The cuts amount to around 1.7 per cent, before taking into effect inflation.

“There is no doubt that meeting the targets will mean change,” Ms Adams wrote.

“Eighty per cent of our Agency’s costs relate to employee salary costs, and we acknowledge this will need to be a primary focus in order to achieve savings.

“However, we will seek to minimise the impacts of change through the development of clear strategies and direct communication with our staff and unions.

“I recognise that change and discussion of budget savings can cause people uncertainty and concern but we will be ensuring that our task is approached in a strategic way that recognises the value of our work and our people.”

Commissioner Donna Adams Tasmania Police. Report released in relation to Tasmania Police member Paul Reynolds. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The Department will be required to save $3.9 million in 2024-25, $7.8 million in 2025-26 and

$11.7 million in 2026-27 and 2027-28.

Shadow Treasurer Josh Willie said the government’s efficiency dividends meant cuts to service.

“The government are asking our essential, frontline services to do the same job, with less staff and less resources,” he said.

“Hardworking Tasmanians who are already pushed to the limit are being asked to sacrifice, to clean up the Liberals’ budget mess.

“The Liberals have mismanaged the state’s finances so catastrophically that they’ve been left with no choice but to make slashing cuts right across the budget. Why should Tasmanians be the ones to suffer because of the Liberals’ bad financial management?

“This is another example of why Tasmania can’t afford the Liberal-Lambie Coalition.”

Shadow Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management Jen Butler said workers in the emergency services are already stretched to the limit and said the government needs to explain the impact of cuts.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis did not deny the budget cuts, but said police numbers would rise.

“We are growing our frontline services with the recruitment of more than 60 full-time Police officers, the establishment of a permanent Strikeforce to target serial offenders, and delivering a relief pool for our frontline Police to maintain staffing at 24-hour stations,” he said.

“This time next year, we will have more police on the beat, keeping Tasmanians safe.

“We are continuing to work with DPFEM on proposals for budget efficiencies, noting the importance of being responsible stewards of taxpayer funds.”