The Canberra Liberals and ACT Greens have attacked plans for about 65 voluntary redundancies across the Health and Community Services Directorate, raising concerns about the impact on services including public housing, child protection and family violence support.

The directorate announced the program today, saying it was necessary to bring staffing levels into line with available funding and operate sustainably within its budget.

Canberra Liberals Shadow Treasurer Ed Cocks says the redundancies are the consequence of the government’s management of the territory’s finances, arguing essential services are now bearing the cost.

“Labor told Canberrans it would protect public service jobs. Now schools, health and community services are in the firing line as Labor scrambles to contain costs,” Cocks says.

ACT Greens Leader Jo Clay is seeking assurances that frontline workers in public housing, child protection, youth and domestic, sexual and family violence services will not be affected.

“Can the Minister categorically guarantee that no frontline workers in public housing, child protection, youth services, family violence services or any other service will be made redundant?” Clay says.

The Greens are calling for a full breakdown of the roles affected and the expected impact on community services.

The directorate expects to make about 65 offers from its workforce of more than 1500 employees, although a small number of additional applications could be accepted where that would allow resources to be redirected to priority areas. The directorate is responsible for health and a range of community services.

Participation is voluntary and all employees except members of the Senior Executive Service are eligible to apply.

The directorate says applications will be assessed to ensure core regulatory and essential services are maintained, while work programs in affected teams will be reviewed against government priorities and available resources.

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