Peter Dutton flags cuts to cultural diversity roles in public service, sparking backlash

In a move that has drawn significant criticism, Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has suggested that jobs focused on cultural diversity and inclusion could be on the chopping block under a Coalition government. Dutton’s remarks came during a speech at the Menzies Research Centre on Friday, where he slammed the government’s budget forecast, which includes the addition of 36,000 public service jobs by June 2025. Dutton expressed concern over the cost, arguing that these positions, particularly those related to diversity, do little to improve the lives of ordinary Australians.

“We will cut wasteful spending, stop inflationary spending, and restore prudent spending,” Dutton said, asserting that his government’s priorities would include a scaled-back, more efficient public service. He emphasized that frontline positions in national security and defence would be protected, but that positions in diversity and communication would be reduced to drive productivity.

This proposal, according to critics, bears striking similarities to actions taken by US President Donald Trump, who sought to reduce diversity-focused positions across federal agencies. Commonwealth Public Service Union Secretary Melissa Donnelly condemned Dutton’s remarks, accusing him of lacking understanding of modern workplace dynamics. “Today’s comments are straight from the Trump playbook, demonstrating his lack of ideas,” she stated. Donnelly argued that diversity in the workforce is crucial for providing effective public services, especially in a nation as multicultural as Australia.

In addition to Dutton’s comments, Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, appointed to oversee government efficiency, vowed to cut funding for “Welcome to Country” ceremonies, which she deemed politically charged and unnecessary. Price criticized the government for spending over $450,000 on these ceremonies over the past two years, arguing that such funds should be redirected to tangible initiatives that improve the lives of marginalized Indigenous Australians.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Malarndirri McCarthy rejected Price’s proposals, questioning the Coalition’s commitment to Indigenous communities. McCarthy pointed out that the Opposition’s focus on culture wars, such as their refusal to participate in the Apology and their opposition to Indigenous ceremonies, does not address the urgent needs of Aboriginal Australians.

While Price distanced herself from comparisons to Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration, she has made it clear that her new role is designed to focus on efficiency rather than political mimicry. However, her stance has raised doubts about the Coalition’s priorities, particularly when it comes to addressing the pressing issues faced by Indigenous communities.

The political debate over the future of Australia’s public service is set to intensify in the coming weeks, with the Albanese government planning to introduce new gender equality legislation. This legislation, which will require employers to meet specific gender equality targets, has already been criticized by the Coalition as an overreach by the government.

As the parliament reconvenes next week, the clash over diversity and efficiency in the public service will undoubtedly remain a central issue in the lead-up to the next election.