Transport For NSW To Cut Another 950 Jobs

About 950 jobs are set to be cut from the state’s Transport department over the next six months in an attempt to pursue “financial sustainability reforms”.

Transport secretary Josh Murray announced the cuts in an internal memo on Wednesday morning, citing changes to the department’s  “operating model and financial sustainability”.

“We have to get back to a model that is sustainable for the long term, delivers on our commitments, and provides appropriate career paths for our people,” he said.

“That also means reducing duplication, removing unclear reporting lines, and ensuring all our people are clear on what is expected of them.”

Murray said the roles would comprise of senior managers and award positions, and will include jobs in administration, technology and communications.

The new cuts come in addition to the 300 senior executive roles announced earlier this year.

Recent growth “unsustainable” in the long run

Murray said that while the news would be “concerning” to employees, the Transport department had experienced substantial growth over the past five years, with an extra 3000 staff appointed.

“We can’t get away from the fact in the years immediately following the pandemic, the agency grew by 3,000 people and by two executive positions every week for a two-year period,” he said.

“To sustain that growth in the long term, it can’t be done.”

The job cuts are expected to help save $600 million over the financial year.

While the department is aiming to minimise the impact on frontline workers and staff in regional areas, Rail, Tram and Bus Union state secretary Toby Warnes warned this would be impossible.

“Thousands of Transport for NSW workers and their families are now all facing the shocking realisation that it could be their job on the chopping block. Behind every significant change like this are real people, real families, and real futures being thrown into doubt,” he said.

Transport Minister John Graham said the decision was part of Labor’s plan to “prioritise” frontline services.

“Change of this nature is difficult and we thank all staff at Transport for NSW for accepting these important changes to set the department up for the future on a more sustainable footing,” he said.

“Labor promised to prioritise the frontline services that help people across the state get around every day and this is part of that funding rebalance.”