Page 3135 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 12 September 1990
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this question. I think that the statement I make after question time will more than amplify issues that are left in doubt.
ACT Government Service
MR STEVENSON: My question is directed to Mr Kaine as Treasurer. During an interview with the Chief Minister on an ABC radio program this morning, the figure of 17,000 public service staff was used. While acknowledging that the Chief Minister did not indicate whether that figure was correct or not, is he now in a position to let this Assembly and the people of Canberra know how many people indeed are on the payroll?
MR KAINE: Since Mr Stevenson raised the question yesterday of just how many people are on the payroll - at which time I indicated that the last figure that was provided to me was something of the order of 17,500 and that that number changes from day to day and week to week as people leave and are hired - I must acknowledge that I have not asked for an updated figure; but, in view of Mr Stevenson's continuing interest in the matter, I will get the latest figure and make it available to him as soon as I can get it.
MR STEVENSON: I ask a supplementary question. Would the Chief Minister confirm that the current figure is 19,459 excluding ACTEW, which is another 1,400 - an increase of some 20 per cent on 17,000? Will the Chief Minister undertake to let people in Canberra know how many public servants are indeed on the payroll?
MR KAINE: I will confirm that if that is the fact. I have already indicated that I do not know the exact number, but I will find that out and make the information available to Mr Stevenson.
Jindalee Nursing Home
MR BERRY: My question is directed to the Treasurer, Mr Kaine. Mr Kaine, you indicate that you will save $950,000 this year and $2.5m in a full year at the Jindalee Nursing Home. These savings represent 60 jobs and will cost about $1.4m in redundancy payments. What will the costs to the residents at Jindalee be? And, of course, how will those costs be carried by their families when the services are cut?
MR KAINE: I think it is sheer speculation on Mr Berry's part to say that that money translates into X number of jobs. What I said was - - -
Mr Berry: That is what the unions have been told.
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