The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) has welcomed the ACT Government's public sector investment in the 2025-26 ACT Budget.
While staffing numbers will grow slightly, the Budget also includes savings through reduced discretionary spending on consultants and contractors.
Close engagement with workers and unions will be essential to ensuring this is done in an effective and appropriate way.
The CPSU will now work with the Government to ensure both workers and the delivery of public services are protected as these budget measures are implemented.
Importantly, the budget also confirms the end of the ACT public service hiring freeze which was implemented earlier this year. The freeze exacerbated existing workload and staffing issues across the ACTPS, and the CPSU will be continuing to work with members to address issues that have arisen as a result.
Quotes attributable to Brooke Muscat, CPSU National President:
"CPSU members working in the ACT public service will be pleased to see this modest investment in public sector staffing and the end of the damaging ACTPS hiring freeze.
"The CPSU supports reductions in outsourcing and we'll be working closely with workers and the ACT Government to ensure these changes do not result in additional workload pressures or resourcing shortfalls.
"We call on the ACT Government to remain flexible and responsive to workforce needs as these measures are implemented.
"Our focus remains on ensuring public sector workers are safe at work and properly supported to deliver the essential services Canberrans rely on."
24 June 2025
