DutchRoll,
Stock-standard CEO spin is used when the CEO has cut staffing levels to the bone to save money, and all of a sudden finds himelf in a bind and under pressure from external sources to explain why the wheels are falling off under his watch.
His/Her Performance Agreement would also encourage staff stripping so he can get a bonus!!
As an ex APS that was "VR'd" I reckon the APS has actively been downsized since the late 1980 to save the Commonwealth finding "un funded" Superannuation and Employer Contributions.
Mike McInerney