Privatised Telstra should rethink job cuts

The Palaszczuk Government has called on Telstra to immediately rethink plans that will see 8000 workers lose their jobs nationally.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Telstra should not be embarking on such large-scale job cuts.

“The flow-on effects that job-cuts this size will have are enormous,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“You only need to look at the sacking that took place under the LNP to know what a devastating impact large-scale job cuts have on the community.

“While we are awaiting advice from Telstra on the number jobs being lost in Queensland, I think it’s vitally important that Telstra re-think this plan.” 

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the massive job losses could be put down to privatisation.

“When the LNP were in Government, they sacked 14,000 workers and planned the mass privatisation of Queensland’s assets,” Ms Trad said.

“What we are seeing today is the result of the Liberals and Nationals at a federal level privatising Telstra.

“And Deb Frecklington failed to rule out asset sales in her budget reply last week.

“Deb Frecklington should be calling on her colleague, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, to intervene and stop these sackings.

“One round of mass sackings under the LNP was enough. Queensland families don’t deserve another.”

Media contact: Kerryn Manifold 0428 510 973