Why such savage cuts in Ferguson’s department? Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism secretary Drew Clarke told staff on Wednesday that at least 100 Canberra-based jobs would go thanks to a savage $27.5 million budget cut in 2012-13. The Canberra Times reported yesterday that “some workers would be offered redundancies because attrition alone would not cut the size of the workforce quickly enough”. We’re told eyebrows raised in Canberra over the size of the cuts — proportionally a much bigger cut than other agencies — and the motivation behind them.
One insider suggests it might be “the price of backing the wrong horse” — that is, minister Martin Ferguson and his public support of Kevin Rudd in Labor’s leadership showdown. “Also,” they write, “is now really the right to lose experienced staff who deal directly with the big miners? Insiders say we can expect more ‘unintended impacts’ as department secretaries figure out how to implement Swan’s budget cuts.” A departmental spokesperson wouldn’t confirm the number to us but wasn’t refuting the Crimes report.
Dose of reality for some bank staff. From this morning’s 3AW Rumour File: “Caller Mind Games says that a big four bank has instructed 30 staff to pack up their desks next week and they will go downstairs to receive a letter detailing if they have been made redundant or not. Those who have will leave immediately and those who have not will take their belongings back upstairs.” Sounds like a reality TV show. Which bank might that be …?
And which bank doesn’t let bikes in? Still in bank-land, does Westpac hate cyclists? This notice was posted outside the Potts Point branch in Sydney and has the cycling community up in arms as the photo is distributed through social media channels. As Crikey‘s correspondent writes: “One would think, given Westpac’s claims to be a green bank that they’d welcome cyclists rather than seek to anger them in this way.”
Re. bikes in banks – Seriously? Cyclists are getting pissed because a bank doesn’t want their VEHICLES in the branch? I hear motorists want to park their cars in front of the teller too, but banks object on the basis that it might be considered a frackin’ ram raid.
Chain it up outside like everyone else, yeesh.
McFluffy, I wholeheartedly agree – even as a hardcore cyclist. What’s next – dogs?
Why not dogs?
There is no food in a bank to ‘contaminate’. Why shouldn’t pooches and other pets be welcome in banks? We spend over $6billion a year on goods and services for companion animals. The banks should be putting out the red carpet and providing free treats for them.
Our communities are succumbing to canine apartheid.
Living in the states at present, the big question with me and my aussie mates is of course: Which country has the biggest bunch of wankers running the place? I’ve gotta tell ya, right now it’s neck and neck..
@Danny: You’re doing it wrong if the piece of anatomy you’re using is the neck. :^)
Also: I’m on an unnamed mailing list that for over a week has had a thread going on the rights of animals to eat in restaurants. The ‘rights’ of cyclists to park in banks hardly makes me shudder. But consider – perhaps the bank is getting tired of acting as a free parking station.