SYDNEY, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Australia's New South Wales (NSW) Premier Barry O'Farrell said on Thursday he was concerned by the news of 500 job cuts at the nation's airline Qantas.
The premier said his government was making inquiries about how many workers in NSW would be affected by Qantas' announcement.
"I'm always concerned when I hear about companies losing jobs," O'Farrell told reporters in Sydney.
"Preliminary advice is that it is small number, but they're still breadwinners in households, and that is of concern."
Qantas Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce announced on Thursday that 500 jobs with the airline would be axed as part of changes to its engineering and catering services to meet tough market conditions.
Joyce also warned there were more troubled times ahead for the airline, resulting in further job cuts with other pars of the business.
NSW Treasurer Mike Baird said the Qantas job cuts, following job losses in banking and other industries, showed businesses across Australia were struggling with weakening economic conditions.
"Our hope is that they take those sorts of actions at the very last resort or hope that they look at every possible means to maintain their business at their productive capacity across the economy without pulling that lever," Baird told reporters.
"I think the next 12 months are going to provide a difficult time for all industries as we deal with what is happening globally, " he said.
