From www.themandarin.com.au: Opposition Leader Peter Dutton aims to reverse growth in the Australian Public Service to save $24 billion over four years, although achieving this within the forward estimates may be challenging.

The APS has grown less dramatically than claimed, being a smaller percentage of the population compared to 2008, and recent growth has come with improved public services despite rising administrative costs.

Concerns remain about the politicization of the APS and maintaining merit-based appointments.