The Western Australian Labor government's slashing of the public sector to try to control growing debt is causing ructions with the senior public servant responsible for road safety quitting.
Road Safety Commissioner Kim Papalia resigned because he was unhappy about the commission being amalgamated with WA Police, reducing the importance of his position.
There is anxiety and job insecurity among 40,000 public sector workers with many senior managers departing as WA's 41 government departments are reduced to just 25 within two months.
The aim is to save $750 million over four years, leading to likely significant job losses and a showdown with unions.
Premier Mark McGowan defended his actions and said Mr Papalia was not asked to leave.
"We made a decision that we had too many government departments and we needed to create efficiencies and collaboration," he told reporters.
Police Minister Michelle Roberts said she was surprised by Mr Papalia's actions but road safety was a key priority and a senior public servant would be seconded into his role.
Share
