analysisPretzel-like twists in Coalition public service policy leaves Canberra voters bewilderedPBy Patrick BellTopic:Australian Federal Elections19m ago19 minutes agoFri 2 May 2025 at 10:08pmNine days out from polling day, Peter Dutton said he had been "very clear … from day one" that all the public service cuts would come from Canberra. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)abc.net.au/news/act-federal-election-2025-coalition-public-service-policy/105244200Link copiedShareShare articleElection campaigns are often so stage managed, one wonders how much really changes over the course of five weeks.But the number of twists in the Coalition's public service policy has, frankly, resembled a giant pretzel.Election essentials:Federal election live updates: Get the latest news as Australians head to the pollsKey election promises from Labor and the CoalitionFind out where your nearest voting centre is and how to fill out the ballot paperOpposition Leader Peter Dutton made the clear statement of intent in his budget reply speech to "reduce Labor's increase of 41,000 Canberra public servants" — never mind that most of the new staff are based elsewhere.The door was initially open to forced redundancies, before an early campaign retreat to natural attrition and a hiring freeze.Jane Hume on Thursday said the cuts would be "focused on Canberra". (AAP Image: Dan Himbrechts)Voluntary redundancies were "always" part of the plan — according to campaign spokesperson James Paterson — before Shadow Finance Minister Jane Hume said on Thursday the Coalition was "not expecting voluntary redundancies".Nine days out from polling day, Mr Dutton said he had been "very clear … from day one" that all the cuts would come from Canberra.But the language appears to have softened on the home stretch, with Senator Hume saying they would be "focused on Canberra".It's left Canberra voters bewildered about what exactly to expect for their city should the government change.Liberal Senate candidate facing tough battleJacob Vadakkedathu previously told the ABC public service cuts would come from across the country. (ABC News: Mark Moore)One Liberal who could have done with a clearer message to sell is the party's ACT Senate candidate, Jacob Vadakkedathu.Already facing a tough battle to win back the seat Zed Seselja lost in 2022, this issue has surely been a distraction he could have done without.Undeterred by the national campaign, Mr Vadakkedathu on Friday told the ABC he is confident the opposition's broader economic message has gained traction.Still, dislodging either of the two incumbent senators will be a struggle.David Pocock made history at the last federal election by becoming the first independent ACT senator. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)The ABC's unscientific observations at early voting booths have uncovered some glowing feedback about first-term independent David Pocock.One voter in Canberra's north told us on Friday she "really believed" in the former Wallaby, describing him as "passionate" about looking after Canberrans' interests.Read more about the federal election:Where the election will be won or lost for Labor or the CoalitionAdd up voters, candidates and pencils in the 2025 federal election numbers quizSee how your views align with the major parties with Vote CompassWant even more? Here's where you can find all our 2025 federal election coverageCatch the latest interviews and in-depth coverage on ABC iview and ABC ListenIncumbent ACT Senator Katy Gallagher of Labor is also the federal Minister for the Public Service. (ABC News: Ian Cutmore)As for the veteran of Canberra politics, Labor's Katy Gallagher, her seniority in the government means she can't disentangle herself from anything the government may have gotten wrong.The ongoing emphasis on the public service, though, has given her favourable ground to fight on since she is the minister responsible.Her supporters have told us they admire her "track record", suggesting her experience is still considered a strength.Saturday night's results will reveal if that is enough to keep her atop the poll.Surprises possible in lower houseIndependent candidate for Bean, Jessie Price, is backed by community crowd-funded initiative Climate 200. (Facebook: Jessie Price — Independent candidate for Bean)There are nuances to look for in the ACT's lower house seats, too.The most obvious is in the southern seat of Bean, where a spirited challenge from Climate 200-backed independent Jessie Price will test the potency of a message that has worked elsewhere.However, if the Liberal vote in this part of Canberra holds up, it would be hard for her to finish in the top two candidates.In the central seat of Canberra, the Greens vote has increased at three elections in a row.This election will help determine if it becomes a permanent Labor versus Greens contest.As the representative of most of Canberra's growth communities, Fenner MP Andrew Leigh arguably faces the biggest risk of an outer-suburban backlash against the government.At this election, even a typically predictable city could throw up a surprise or two.LoadingLoading...Having trouble seeing this form? Try this link.Posted 19m ago19 minutes agoFri 2 May 2025 at 10:08pmShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesAlbanese 'not surprised' he was targeted by Russian criminalsLIVEPhoto shows Anthony Albanese speaking in a sports stadium. 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