Public sector reform and the long‐term public servant

Abstract

Since the 1970s public services throughout the world have undergone significant reforms in terms of structure and personnel practices. In Australia these reforms have concentrated on the introduction of affirmative action and equal opportunity programmes, the revision of selection and promotion procedures to reinforce the merit principle and the opening up of positions in the public service to outside appointments. Examines how recent reforms in the Queensland public sector have impacted on long‐term public servants. Finds that the effects of the changes are being unevenly felt by different groups in the public service. Specifically, it appears that the processes are being more stringently applied to women than to men.