Australia to trim government next year to boost efficiency

Reuters
Updated

SYDNEY, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Australia will cut the number of its government departments next year to focus on the continuity of policy and improving service, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday.

Government departments will be cut to 14 from Feb. 1, 2020, down from 18 now, Morrison told reporters in the capital, Canberra.

"I want a public service that is focused on the continuity of policy and service delivery," he added. (Reporting by Colin Packham; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)