We will meet 16,500 job cut target: Abetz

The number of federal public servants has fallen to its lowest level in nearly 10 years.

And the government says it is on target to reach an even lower number ahead of schedule.

In the 18 months to December the size of public service was reduced by 14,414.

Employment Minister Eric Abetz says the number of public sector jobs now totals 152,606, the lowest it has been since 2006.

The coalition pledged to slash the public service by 16,500 jobs by 2016-17.

"The government will now meet this target ahead of schedule," Senator Abetz said in a statement on Wednesday.