‘Gobsmacked’: Australian workplace relations department to replace short-term staff with third-party contractor

The Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) will replace 13 call center staff who are reaching the maximum term for short-term contracts with a third-party contractor. The staff members, who work in the government department responsible for workplace standards, are unable to renew their contracts due to job security laws. The union representing the workers has expressed concern that this outsourcing will lead to a loss of knowledge and experience. They also believe that this change could negatively impact vulnerable people who rely on the department for government payments and assistance. The union argues that the current staff possess valuable expertise in assisting these individuals.