doesnt the government control spending, budgets,
controllers salaries
decide on how many atc are recruited, put through traning.
Not an unreasonable assumption
atc2020, but no. Remember ASA is not like say the ABC, the police, public schools etc. ASA doesn't get its money from the government, it charges its 'customers' direct, and is required by law to make a profit and give that to the government. As long as the Board and CEO meet (or are seen to meet, or nobody notices they are not meeting) their statutory requirements, they have a free hand, because ASA make money, not cost money.
Plus, it takes a fairly specific number of bums on seats to keep the airspace open, unlike say teachers or police where you can (but shouldn't) provide a lesser service with less people to save money. We are below that number and falling, hence the drive for recruits now.