tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18815215.post2863628446508681868..comments2024-03-03T19:26:23.287+11:00Comments on Open and Shut: Staff cutbacks ahead for Australian Information CommissionerPeter Timminshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589018910216965607noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18815215.post-15710753459910289402012-02-23T16:07:54.304+11:002012-02-23T16:07:54.304+11:00It always amazes me in these sorts of committee pr...It always amazes me in these sorts of committee proceedings, reluctance by agency heads (or their delegates) to be honest about the effect of staff cuts on activity or output. Words like 'potentially' are safety words intended to reduce the risk of being seen as unable to create new efficiencies or commitment to continuous improvement another mantra. <br /><br />Increasing or maintaining staffing levels to maintain efficiencies, where all other possible improvements to processes have been made, is seen as a failure. Why couch these risks in passive language? <br /><br />Fact is, reductions in staffing, even with improvements, generally mean a larger workload for existing staff and less efficiency. Yes the departments will save money but they won't be performing a public service and are less able to conform to the legal obligations and principles of open government inherent in the FOI Act.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com