Australian Public Service shed thousands of employees before the coronavirus pandemic, leaving them short when they most needed staff

Two government agencies shed thousands of jobs just before the coronavirus pandemic unfolded, leaving them short-staffed when they most needed labour. Key points: The Australian Public Service has lost 21,400 staff since the 2013 election, and now employs 144,700 people The Australian Public Service has lost 21,400 staff since the 2013 election, and now employs 144,700 people Records show there are fewer federal public servants per capita than at any other time Records show there are fewer federal public servants per capita than at any other time The Government's decentralisation program has had no overall effect on the public service workforce The Australian Public Service continued to shrink during 2019, shedding about 2,500 jobs in the second half of the year. Despite staffing levels, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann praised the way the APS responded to the pandemic, saying public servants had "continued working to keep Australians safe and ensure that services are delivered". "The Government will continue to make judgments to ensure that the size of the Australian Public Service is appropriate and affordable, including continuing its use of technology to increase service delivery while keeping the number of officials in Commonwealth agencies at around 2006-07 levels," he said. The Public Service Commissioner, Peter Woolcott, also said the APS had been able to respond to this summer's bushfire disasters and the pandemic with "flexibility and agility".