IT professionals are being hired on 457 visas in preference to Australian workers at the same time the NSW government outsources public services.

The Public Service Association has called for an urgent inquiry into the Baird government's decision to contract out public services, replacing full-time local jobs with overseas workers on temporary work visas.

In response to questions from Greens MP David Shoebridge, the government has confirmed it has used people on 457 visas to fill 32 full-time jobs following its decision to outsource ServiceFirst which looks after IT, human resources and payroll services. Minister for Finance, Services and Property Dominic Perrottet​ said that 32 workers "will continue in the role".

Mr Shoebridge said the government is "failing to deliver on local jobs".