The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has reportedly taken the axe to contract positions in an attempt to remain within its budget.
DFAT has apparently terminated as many as 100 contract employees over the last few weeks, with some of those having worked in IT and policy roles, according to ABC News.
A former DFAT contractor told the government-owned news outlet that “budget constraints” was the reason given for the job cuts.
Travel Weekly understands that the number of contractors at any point in time varies according to DFAT’s priorities and individual service providers.
The move comes not long after ABC News reported that DFAT would get rid of 60 full-time positions to make up for a budget shortfall.
A spokesperson for DFAT declined to confirm the exact number of contract and full-time roles that have reportedly been axed.
“The department continues to deliver strong policy and operational outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, including through assisting to keep international supply chains open and helping to bring tens of thousands of Australians home from overseas,” the spokesperson told Travel Weekly.
“DFAT continues to be properly resourced to deliver consular and passport services, and deliver on the government’s foreign policy, trade and development agenda.
“We also continue to responsibly manage our budget to enable us to remain on a sustainable financial footing in these difficult economic times.”
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