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That question has been on everyone's, well, lips in the lead-up to Joe Hockey's second budget.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr was told directly by Prime Minister Tony Abbott recently the worst of the public service cuts were over - and it seems the Prime Minister has kept his word.
The budget papers show an estimated reduction of fewer than 100 in average staffing levels but agency heads will be given flexibility to manage recruitment.
The bad news is already very well known - the effect on property prices and the slow down in the retail sector due to the massive cuts already made to the public service by both Labor and the Coalition.
The budget forecasts for the 2015-16 year predict total staffing will return to the level last recorded in 2006-07. "The Government has been methodically reducing the number of government bodies, to reduce the level of inefficiency, duplication and over-governance," the papers say.
The "functional and efficiency" review of the Health and Education Departments will be "followed by reviews of other departments throughout 2015-16".
However, it looks like Liberal Senator Zed Selesja has been successful in keeping the huge Immigration Department at Belconnen, for the time being at least, through requiring the consideration of local impacts on town centres in deciding its location.
None of this public service-centric news was broadcast to the nation in the Treasurer's speech, which focused on spending for new programs, with the usual rhetorical flourishes. "Every big company in the world started small," Treasurer Joe Hockey told Parliament on Tuesday night, to the amazement of no one.
Small business operators in the ACT will be happy to hear of a tax cut and immediate tax deductions for items worth $20,000.
The federal Coalition talks about small business being the key driving force to create jobs, hence its proposals to help them put on new workers will help the ACT and national economy.
Because it's not just the local economy that is in trouble - the Reserve Bank's decision to drop interest rates again underscores just how fragile the national economy is.
Hockey talked about "headwinds" in his speech but unsurprisingly dwelt on a rosy future for the economy. "This budget is responsible, measured and fair," he said.
We will hear this "F" word a lot in the budget sales pitch, as the Coalition tries to induce collective amnesia about its first budget that was howled down as unfair.
But is the latest one believable? Are the revenue estimates solid? What other promises will be broken? How much will pass the Senate?
Childcare is boosted but the "rolled gold" paid parental leave scheme is trashed.
Hockey says new programs will be offset by cuts, for instance "strong progress towards staffing reductions" allowed some limited reinvestment into childcare and health.
Abbott foreshadowed a boring budget - and helped the process by announcing the contents beforehand - but what he really wants is a diversion away from the (justified) criticism of his first effort.
And just recall for a second that his leadership has already suffered a near death experience due to broken promises, Captain's picks and gross misreading of the national psyche.
He cannot continue to squander the trust of the Australian people if he wants to remain in his position.
And that applies even more strongly to Hockey. He appeared to be sidelined in the pre-budget sales pitch but now he will tour the nation, spruiking its fairness - with his fingers crossed.
Twitter: rosspeakeCT
