The Chief Minister of the new Northern Territory Government, Terry Mills, has announced a freeze on public service recruitment to provide Departmental executives with an opportunity to re-prioritise staffing structures to focus on frontline service delivery.

 

Mr Mills said the freeze would take place in conjunction with the Government's proposed Treasury audit.

 

"The freeze applies to public service recruitment unless otherwise approved by the office of the Commissioner of Public Employment," Mr Mills said.

 

"The OCPE will also work with agencies to identify frontline positions that will be exempt from the recruitment freeze.

 

Mr Mills said the recruitment of an additional 120 frontline police will not be affected by the freeze.

 

"All interstate and overseas travel will require final approval by the Chief Executive of the Department of Chief Minister and hospitality is to stop unless also approved by DCM.

 

"In addition, reviews into the Government's motor vehicle fleet and marketing and communications will also be undertaken by DCM.

 

"These measures are necessary as the Country Liberals Government moves forward with its linked strategies to cut waste and reduce debt,” Mr Mills said.