During the middle of 1970, Australia's dependence on deficit spending increased manifold. This was true particularly for the public sector in Australia. By the year 1980, the country was hardly able to take on the jolts of a competitive international market. The government in Australia felt the need to invigorate and restructure fiscal instability prevailing in the economy. As such the public sector in Australia was susceptible to budget pressures. Public sector reform in Australia pertaining to increasing efficiency as well as reduction in government expenses were called for.
There were many reasons, which necessitated the implementation of public sector reform in Australia. Even though there was no official declaration of the same, it was understood that the public were no longer willing to accept the services, which were not up to the mark.
As part of the public sector reform in Australia, the then Prime Minister of the country introduced the Reid Review. The Reid Review is the first ever public sector reform in Australia. As per the Reid Review changes pertaining to the following were demanded:
The efficiency of the public sector was required to be enhanced.
The Reid Review necessitated the public servants to exercise more accountability.
In the year 1983, the Hawke government introduced the "White Paper", as another step towards public sector reform in Australia. The "White Paper" was referred to as Reforming The Australian Public Service. The "White Paper" dealt with the following aspects.
Matters of appointment as well as termination of employment
Compliance with various terms as well as conditions of employment
There were many aspects, which the "White paper" required to be fulfilled. Some of the prominent ones are given below:
It wanted the public sector to increase its efficiency
Provided equal opportunities to all.
Safeguard the rights of the public servants
