LABOR candidate for Leichhardt Sharryn Howes has welcomed Labor’s announcement that it will not proceed with the increase to the public service efficiency dividend as announced by the Liberals in the 2016-17 budget.

Ms Howes said a Labor Government would achieve sustainable efficiencies in the public service, without compromising jobs and local services in regions like Far North Queensland.

“The last thing we need in the Far North is job cuts,” Ms Howes said.

“But that is what will happen if the Abbott-Turnbull Government gets its way and increases the efficiency dividend.

“Our community has been grappling in recent years with a high unemployment rate and we simply cannot afford to have more jobs leave our town.”

According to Howes, nationally more than 18,000 public sector jobs have been slashed since 2013. Labor will achieve the same level of budget savings as the Government’s measure, with savings from areas which minimise the impact on jobs and the positive role of the public service.