Public sector told to find significant savings but Jim Chalmers denies ‘big job cuts’

Coalition accuses government of breaking its promise not to cut the public sector as treasurer confirms reductionsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor could cut some public service budgets by as much as 5% as it looks for major savings in next year’s federal budget, but Jim Chalmers denied it would mean “big jobs cuts” for the sector.The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, and the finance and public service minister, Katy Gallagher, have confirmed reports in the Australian Financial Review this week that cabinet ministers and department and agency bosses have been asked to find significant budget savings. Continue reading…