<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>331954</docID> <postdate>2024-10-29 08:24:19</postdate> <headline>No cuts to public service, vows premier</headline> <body><p><img class=" wp-image-331955" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241028123310206150-original-resized-e1730150611848.jpg" alt="" width="905" height="603" /></p> <caption>A strong and stable public sector creates a strong and stable Queensland, David Crisafulli said. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Laine Clark</strong> in Brisbane</span></p> <p><strong>Public servants have been told there will be no job cuts in one of David Crisafulli's first acts as Queensland premier.</strong></p> <p>The new leader has been quick to reassure the state's 250,000-strong public service after heads rolled under the last Liberal National Party government.</p> <p>Mr Crisafulli was sworn in as Queensland's 41st premier on Monday after claiming victory in the state election, ending Labor's nine-year reign.</p> <p>He became the LNP's first Queensland premier since Campbell Newman who sacked about 14,000 public servants during his 2012-2015 term.</p> <p>Mr Crisafulli did not waste time distancing himself from his LNP predecessor, telling public servants history would not repeat in what is believed to be his first official correspondence as premier.</p> <p>"There will be no employment cuts to the public service workforce," Mr Crisafulli said in Monday's email message.</p> <p>"Having seen the impact of job losses in the past on the productivity and morale of the public service, I will not be repeating those actions."</p> <p>Labor had claimed Mr Crisafulli would swing the axe if elected, citing LNP's economic plan it released days ahead of Saturday's election, that revealed changes to save almost $7 billion on consultancies and contractors.</p> <p>But Labor claimed that meant the LNP would cut public service jobs to keep the budget in the black.</p> <p>Mr Crisafulli assured public servants that would not be the case in Monday's email, saying his government would work with them to create a "one team approach".</p> <p>He said his ministers would be tasked with having "greater visibility" and spending time with public servants.</p> <p>"A strong and stable public sector, creates a strong and stable Queensland," his email said.</p> <p>"We have an ambitious and important agenda in the interest of Queenslanders, and you, the Queensland Public Sector, are vital to what we need to achieve."</p> <p>There may be departmental leadership and structure changes, Mr Crisafulli said.</p> <p>He has already confirmed David Mackie will be the premier department's new acting director-general, replacing a "gracious" Mike Kaiser.</p> <p>Mr Crisafulli's cabinet will be decided and sworn in later this week after all seats are decided.</p> <p>The LNP is confident it has won 53 seats while counting remains under way, with the government holding at least 48 to Labor's 30.</p> <p>The LNP needed 47 seats for a majority government, after holding 35 to Labor's 51 before Saturday's election.</p> </body>