NSW: Libs call for rail chiefs to be sacked

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2000
NSW: Libs call for rail chiefs to be sacked

SYDNEY, Aug 21 AAP - The New South Wales opposition has called for under-performing
State Rail employees to be sacked amid government plans to beef up the bureaucracy.

State Rail is recruiting an additional 19 staff to help its new coordinator general
of rail, Ron Christie, to fix the beleaguered system.

But opposition transport spokesman Barry O'Farrell said the move was pointless while
under-performing staff remained within the department.

"Three months after Ron Christie's appointment, not one of those responsible for the
state's rail crisis has been sacked," he said.

"Senior jobs in State Rail are reproducing like rabbits (but) Bob Carr won't remove the bunnies.

"We are now going to put in an addition layer - it's a nonsense."

Weekend newspaper advertisements revealed State Rail is searching for staff to fill
four executive director positions worth a combined $750,000.

There have also been five other positions advertised in recent weeks with salaries
totalling $430,000.

It is understood Mr Christie will have 13 permanent staff with six others brought in
for specific projects.

AAP ls/sal/cjh

KEYWORD: RAIL

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