Under-performing public servants have been told - they could face the sack, but the treasurer is still refusing to guarantee the excess baggage will finally be cut loose.
Treasurer Eric Roozendaal has formed a razor gang to slash spending across all departments to figure out how to fill the Rees Government's billion dollar budget blackhole.
Mr Roozendaal says, with the state in danger of losing its Triple-A credit rating, it's time to trim the fat.
"Clearly, if we find bureaucrats that are not making a contribution and are not representing value to the people of NSW we'll look seriously at removing them."
That could even include getting rid of hired pot plants and paintings but Roozendaal says he isn't willing to commit to targeting the displaced list.
"I'm not going to drill down and be specific but we'll certainly be looking at all aspects of where we can find savings."