QUEENSLAND Premier Campbell Newman has described cutting public service jobs as getting "the poopa scoopa out" to clean up after Labor.

Mr Newman made the analogy while apologising for the anxiety the job and service cuts are causing public servants.

He says it weighs heavily on him and all his ministers, but tough decisions have to be made to fix the state's financial troubles.

"We get the poopa scoopa out every day of the week," Mr Newman told state parliament today.

"We're having to make these tough decisions.

"We know there is fear and anxiety and we are sorry about that and it will end as soon as possible."

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk told reporters Mr Newman's "poopa scoopa" comment was offensive.

"I'm shocked and appalled at the behaviour the premier displayed today in the Queensland parliament," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"These comments are from a man who does not understand what his actions are doing to people right across Queensland."

She accused Mr Newman of making Queenslanders sick with anxiety and demanded he immediately outline what jobs and services will be axed.

The government is scrambling to save money and steer the state away from a worst case scenario $100 billion debt forecast for 2018/19.

Mr Newman has flagged the state has 20,000 too many public servants.

He was asked in parliament today to confirm whether services for the elderly would also face funding cuts, but the premier reverted to his well-worn catchcry that all would be made clear in the September 11 budget.

Originally published as Public service cuts like 'poopa scoopa'