DFAT to slash 60 positions with 'no job losses' as the coronavirus pandemic puts added pressure on its budget

The Federal Opposition has slammed job cuts at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, accusing the Morrison Government of running down Australia's diplomatic network. Key points: DFAT will cut 60 positions — 50 in Canberra and 10 from eight overseas posts — through "natural attrition" Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong says Australia's diplomats are critical to self-reliant and ambitious foreign policy The Community and Public Sector Union says the Morrison Government is trying to run the department "like a business" The department has told staff it will slash 60 positions as it grapples with budget woes in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong said Prime Minister Scott Morrison "talked a big game" on foreign affairs, but " short where it counts". In a message sent earlier this week, acting secretary of DFAT Tony Sheehan warned staff that "the department's budget continues to be under significant pressure and this will only increase". In a message to staff this week, acting secretary of DFAT Tony Sheehan warned staff "the department's budget continues to be under significant pressure and this will only increase".