26279 (2023). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for the Public Service

26279 (2023). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for the Public Service: Does the Minister intend to reduce public spending via expenditure reduction targets to be set for each agency, informed by the increase in back office head count at that agency since 2017, as outlined in the coalition agreement between National and ACT, and what advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister, or any member of their Office received on evaluating measures of expenditure during the week of 27 November 2023, on this by title and date?

Hon Nicola Willis: Yes. The Government has committed to a reduction in public sector expenditure in our 100 day plan. I will deliver on this through Budget 24 processes. As Minister for the Public Service, I have received a report from the Public Service Commission on achieving fiscal savings and reducing spend on contractors and consultants on 27 November 2023. This is also my response to WPQ 26280 (2023).