Aussie PM announces biggest public service changes in 32 yrs

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday announced the biggest overhaul of the nation's public service in 32 years.

Morrison told reporters here that his decision to reduce the number of government departments from 18 to 14 from February 1, 2020 would "bust bureaucratic congestion and improve decision making", reports Xinhua news agency Four new "mega-departments" will be of Education, Skills and Employment; Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications; Industry, Science, Energy and Resources; and Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

Despite the shake-up, the biggest since 1987, Morrison said there would be no change in the ministers responsible for each portfolio.

The changes, not expected to generate significant budget savings, were about "better services on the ground" rather than saving money, according to the Prime Minister.

"Australians should be able to access simple and reliable services, designed around their needs," he said.

"Having fewer departments will allow us to bust bureaucratic congestion, improve decision-making and ultimately deliver better services for the Australian people. The new structure will drive greater collaboration on important policy challenges."