Queensland is shifting from biannual to annual public sector workforce reporting.

The state’s Public Sector Commission says changes are coming in response to the 2022 recommendations from Professor Peter Coaldrake's ‘Let the Sunshine In’ report, though the report did not specifically advocate for fewer reports.

Premier Steven Miles says that the new model would provide “more data than ever before”, ensuring that Queenslanders receive comprehensive insights into the workforce numbers that include key public service roles such as firefighters, nurses, and police officers.

This shift means that instead of the usual March and September releases, the workforce data will now be consolidated into a single comprehensive report to be issued alongside the state budget each June. 

The Public Sector Commission says that this change will enhance the quality, accessibility, and analysis of the data, moving towards a more detailed narrative approach that can offer deeper insights into demographic changes and trends over time.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has criticised the move, arguing that it would decrease transparency. 

He vowed that if his party won the upcoming October election, they would revert to the semiannual reporting format. 

Crisafulli highlighted the importance of more frequent updates to ensure that staffing levels are aligned with the needs of a growing population.

In a statement, Public Sector Commissioner David Mackie reiterated the intent to align Queensland's reporting practices with those observed in other regions, such as the Australian and NSW public service commissions, aiming for a balance between transparency and the provision of meaningful, detailed public data.

This policy change will commence with the next state budget release, where the government promises a more user-friendly, web-based presentation of the data.