The Premier will directly make the call on how many public sector jobs will be cut within Wollongong and the Illawarra to implement the Government’s 2019-20 NSW Budget decision to slash 2500 jobs.

Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully asked the Minister for Water, Property and Housing a three part question in Parliament last month relating to how many public sector jobs would be cut in Wollongong and the Illawarra; the breakdown in jobs cut by department and agency; and, whether the consultations, including with unions had taken place.

The Minister simply responded with one sentence:

This is a matter for the Premier.

Mr Scully said the Minister’s response places the responsibility for any public sector jobs cuts in Wollongong and the Illawarra right at the Premier’s feet.

“If there are job cuts in Wollongong and the Illawarra, it’ll be because the Premier wanted them”, he said.

The Government had previously indicated that no public sector jobs would be cut in regional areas, but that pledge was under challenge after Essential Energy announced it would cut up to 500 jobs, with 182 jobs under immediate threat.

“Wollongong continues to be designated as a metropolitan area by the Government so the Premier’s swinging axe will fall on local public sector jobs.

“At this stage, we are in the dark on how many and where the job cuts the Premier is planning to impose on us will be”, he said.

Mr Scully has now directed a similar three part question to the Premier.

The Premier will have 35 days to respond to Mr Scully’s questions.