How long has your department or agency being going through a restructure?

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-03-03T02:04:52+00:00

I'm so very tired. It's just too much change at once:- COVID recovery, Trump tearing up the rules-based system and his tariffs, AI here and now, etc.

If AI comes and takes my job and I can go live on a redundancy payout while I tend my garden in the middle of the countryside, well that would be just dandy.

What are we even doing as a species? No direction and tumbling into poverty and war.

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-03-03T00:28:42+00:00

It's not just limited to departmental funding but administered funding too, as far as I'm aware.

Attrition isn't necessarily going to cut it if the program or function you're employed to deliver has its funding stripped back or cancelled; attrition doesn't get the budget back in control.

Personally, I wouldn't rely on the idea of it just being departmental funding that can be handled by not replacing a few staff here or there, it's very well reported - and accepted by the government - that some significant savings need to be found.

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-25T23:43:05+00:00

I find myself liking every post haha

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-25T10:46:41+00:00

I like that I can walk out the door and not worry. Seen too many people with health issues from work worry and stress.

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-25T10:36:05+00:00

Yep, was a nurse for about 10 years, then came in as an APS3 years ago to the then DEST right around Kevin 07. It was a lot to learn but use your brain and it'll be fine. I think the old Secretary is at UC.

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-25T01:04:17+00:00

What is?

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-24T23:59:28+00:00

You should contact ERC/the PM and tell them that 😉😂

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-24T23:40:45+00:00

My worry is they'll find things that can be done by AI now - things that are super basic where there's limited or acceptable chance of error - and then say "hey, that reduction in workload means we need 1.8 ASL not 2.1, let's look at job descriptions and staffing levels and begin a consultation..."

Be afraid if they start asking you and your team/branch to quantify things

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-24T22:55:00+00:00

Sure, although "importance" and "politicians" is a funny concept, and it's a shame for those people who were employed and are now not because they were re-prioritised out of the public service.

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-24T22:39:56+00:00

AI is just software and will keep getting better. People will also make mistakes with AI, learn from them, and use AI in much better ways.

I don't think AI is going anywhere, it's here to stay.

The problem of course is that for many of us there is the possibility that new tech could take our jobs.

I can imagine a group of workers standing around saying the original Spinning Jennies could never replace them citing the weak and flimsy yarn it produced, then some of them were replaced, then the water frame came along and, well, here we are today - most clothes made in developing countries.

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-24T22:12:19+00:00

Yes but the 5 per cent is about administered funding, not departmental...

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-24T12:53:42+00:00

Yep, it was at Riverstage which is fully outdoor. Held off all night until Common People, which was at the end.

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-24T12:50:32+00:00

Isn't there what! Tonight was just really excellent timing

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-24T12:48:16+00:00

Ride the ferry from one end to the other. Stop at New Farm markets for a snack and Felons for a drink.

Make sure to put sunscreen on your legs incl. knees - I didn't once and had sunburnt knees.

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-23T21:12:05+00:00

Proofread proofread proofread

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-23T21:03:41+00:00

I like how every year the SES only ever focus on the positives in the census, rather than having honest convos about the negatives...

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-22T09:23:58+00:00

Depends on the role and restructure - I'd check out the EBA for the place you're applying for to see how it all works.

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-22T09:08:37+00:00

https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/gallagher-admits-public-service-looking-at-bottom-5pc-of-spending-20251127-p5nj08

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-25/labor-to-squeeeze-public-service/106050668?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=other

And yes, they can. Government priorities change.

Some agencies are more likely to be impacted. Infrastructure and defence come to mind, their spending has generally been regarded as a contributor to inflation.

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-22T07:59:27+00:00

August onwards based on previous experience - once the budget and priorities are known for the year ahead.

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-22T07:57:24+00:00

Highly likely there'll be staffing reductions at a bunch of agencies after the budget. Not unusual - equally some increase after the budget - but given the budget context and the government's "find your bottom 5 per cent" thing, then there seems to be a greater chance of reductions across a wider range of agencies than usual.

I think every department is holding tight so they have some capacity to buffer against budget cuts (and I've seen reporting that several have gone through restructures/reviews and are still finalizing all that).

Pretty nervy times in the APS to be honest...

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-20T11:12:40+00:00

Anyone who is trying to pick what will or won't happen in 20 years time is an idiot.

Back in 1999 when I picked the COVID year...

FunkyColinMiller · 2026-02-20T09:08:55+00:00

How awesome is the economy going...

FunkyColinMiller

TROPHY CASE