The bureaucrats' union has warned that Prime Minister Julia Gillard's ministerial reshuffle is likely to lead to some job losses in Canberra, as it will add to government agencies' costs.
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Community and Public Sector Union national secretary Nadine Flood said yesterday that the changes were small but would ''still cause disruption''.
''Clearly, it will be a challenge to maintain jobs and services, especially given the increased efficiency dividend,'' she said.
''While machinery-of-government changes are normal for the public service, doing them under such tight budget constraints will be a significant challenge.''
Treasurer Wayne Swan announced last month that the bureaucracy would need to spend $1.5 billion less than it had budgeted for over the next four years.
Yesterday, Mr Swan said a ministry reshuffle would help the Gillard Government build on its achievements during the past 12 months and enter the new year revitalised.
Mr Swan said it was appropriate to consider a reshuffle given Senator Nick Sherry's decision to leave government.
''We've had a vacancy in the ministry; it has to be filled,'' he said in Melbourne.
''It's a very good time to deal with the challenges we are facing in the future and to consider that in terms of the future shape of the cabinet and ministry.''
Asked whether Bill Shorten - tipped as a future Labor leader - would make a good cabinet minister, Mr Swan said, ''I'm not going to pre-empt the outcome of the reshuffle today but he's done a terrific job over the past year or so.''