Shadow treasurer Curtis Pitt accuses Premier Campbell Newman of having 66,000 public sector jobs in his sights QUEENSLAND Premier Campbell Newman has dodged questions on whether he will replace the 66,000 public servants which will be lost through natural attrition over the next five years. The government is trying to raise $25 billion to $30 billion to return the state's triple A credit rating, following recommendations by former federal treasurer Peter Costello in his Commission of Audit. Queensland Treasurer Tim Nicholls hasn't ruled out more job losses if assets are sold and services outsourced, but said a third of the public service would retire or resign in the next five years. LNP: First school on Newman's 'hit list' LABOR: Apology sought for 'sexist remarks' The premier was asked twice in parliament to rule out downsizing the public service further to pay down debt. "Will the premier reveal if any or all of those 66,000 workers will be replaced or will their jobs disappear forever?" shadow treasurer Curtis Pitt asked. It's clear that Campbell Newman and the LNP have another 66,000 jobs in their sights. Mr Newman danced around the question and attacked Labor for selling assets and offering voluntary redundancies to public servants when it was in power. "We know how you spell hypocrisy; 'A-L-P'," he said. The secretary of public sector union Together, Alex Scott, says Mr Costello's recommendations will lead to more job losses if TAFES and schools are closed and health services and public transport outsourced. The union says it will hold up to 50 town hall forums across Queensland. The first will be in the north Queensland town of Mareeba next Wednesday. "We know the community is opposed to privatisation," Mr Scott said. What we need to do is force politicians to listen to the community. Katter's Australian Party has agreed to take part in the forums, which are open to all MPs.