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More than four out of five jobs filled in the past two years have been in public service, health and education, prompting warnings from economists that the government’s focus on adding jobs could continue to fuel inflation.

While there have long been calls to end the shortage of nurses and teachers, the growth in jobs tied to government spending will be a flashpoint in the upcoming election amid concerns that it is adding to price pressures.

The Albanese government has repeatedly claimed the Coalition would cut 36,000 public service jobs after Nationals leader David Littleproud last year said it was the “first thing” they would do, and a Liberal Party website cited the number under an example of wasteful spending.

However, a spokesperson for opposition public service spokeswoman Jane Hume said no commitment had been made to slash the public service headcount, and that the Coalition’s position was to halt growth.

Speaking at a doorstop in Canberra, newly sworn-in Government Services Minister Katy Gallagher said laying off 36,000 public servants was unrealistic.

Economics writer Millie Muroi picks up the story.