The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has announced a proposal to cut 64 jobs as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The plan involves eliminating 180 positions while creating 116 new roles. Additionally, 69 fixed-term contracts set to expire in September will not be renewed, though the department says this is unrelated to the restructuring.
Government Austerity Measures Drive Job Cuts
The restructuring comes as the government continues its broader cost-saving initiatives. Finance Minister Nicola Willis unveiled a plan earlier this year to reduce public service spending by $1.5 billion, requiring departments to identify areas for budget cuts. As part of this directive, DIA was tasked with reducing its spending by 6.5 percent.
Internal Affairs Secretary Paul James stated that the changes are necessary to streamline operations and reduce duplication of work across the organisation.
“To do this, we must organise our work in a way that reduces management layers and minimises duplication of work in different areas of the organisation,” James said. He also reassured staff that further large-scale changes were not anticipated once this phase of restructuring was complete.
Impact on DIA’s Workforce and Operations
The 180 job cuts will affect various roles across the department, though details on which areas will see the most reductions have not been specified. At the same time, 116 new positions will be created with the aim of improving the department’s efficiency.
In addition to the restructuring, 69 fixed-term contracts will conclude in September as scheduled. A DIA spokesperson clarified that these contracts were always set to end at that time and their expiration is separate from the current restructuring process.
The DIA oversees a range of services, including passport issuance, birth and marriage registrations, gambling regulation, internet safety, anti-money laundering efforts, and IT support for the government.
Union Opposition
The Public Service Association (PSA) has voiced strong opposition to the job cuts, warning they could negatively impact the department’s ability to serve the public effectively.
“Internal Affairs’ purpose is to serve and connect ‘people, communities and government to build a safe, prosperous and respected nation,'” said PSA national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.
“These cuts coming on top of the damaging cuts from last year will make achieving that purpose all the more difficult.”
The PSA previously criticised last year’s restructuring, saying that it resulted in significant layoffs in key areas, including teams focused on protecting children from online harm and combating international money laundering.
The final decision on DIA’s restructuring is expected in early June, following a consultation period with staff that runs until 15 April.