WA govt to restrict service payouts

The Western Australia government has introduced legislation that will restrict the huge payouts of senior public servants if their positions are terminated.

Senior public service bureaucrats in Western Australia will get restricted payouts if their contracts are terminated early under new legislation.

The legislation, aimed at saving millions of dollars, was introduced into parliament on Wednesday and will also prevent senior executives from returning to a position within the public sector if their position is terminated.

"Reducing large compensation payouts for senior bureaucrats is something that should have been done a long time ago. This legislation will protect future governments and help limit payouts in the future," Premier Mark McGowan said in a statement on Thursday.