Millions wasted on O'Farrell: NSW oppn

13 Jun 2012, 12:21 am   -   Source: AAP

Opposition Leader John Robertson has attacked the NSW budget for boosting funds for the Premier's department but cutting public service jobs.

NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson has attacked Premier Barry O'Farrell for handing down a budget that included millions for morning teas and brochures but cut thousands of public service jobs.

The opposition says Tuesday's state budget boosted funding for "wasteful programs" in the Premier's Department to the tune of $29 million, but slashed 15,000 jobs.

A new 1.2 per cent labour expense cap is widely expected to put around 10,000 public sector positions on the chopping block.

"Barry O'Farrell needs to explain why he has given his own department a budget boost of $29 million for wasteful programs while cutting 15,000 workers from local schools, hospitals and police stations," Mr Robertson said in a statement.

"This year the Premier's department will spend 68 per cent more on glossy brochures, 37 per cent more on staff for the Premier and four per cent more on advertising.

"The unit responsible for morning teas and lunches will get a whopping $13.9 million increase - a 13 per cent jump on last year's budget."

He said if the government wanted to make good on its promise to root out waste it should begin at home.

Treasurer Mike Baird's second budget has forecast a return to surplus in 2013/14, following an $824 million deficit for the upcoming financial year.

As foreshadowed, it includes the loss of 10,000 public sector jobs over four years, cuts of $1.24 billion in government programs and a 12.5 per cent increase in speeding fines.

Among the winners are frontline nurses, police and teachers, who will be spared from cuts, and more than 540,000 families who will be eligible for a new family energy rebate starting at $75 and rising to $150 by 2014 to help with rising power costs.

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