Hundreds of public servant roles are set to be eliminated across various government departments in Victoria.
The job redundancies, initially disclosed in May’s state budget, are expected to save the government a substantial $2.1 billion over the next four years.
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Around 220 jobs are earmarked for removal within the Victorian Department of Jobs, including residual staff associated with the cancelled Commonwealth Games.
Further job cuts are anticipated within the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
Victoria’s newly appointed Premier, Jacinta Allan, has asserted that the cuts will not impact core services.
“The effort is on delivering core services, supporting community safety, community safety remains a main priority.”
The Department of Justice and Community Safety confirmed that cuts were on the horizon but did not specify the exact number of positions to be axed.
A spokesperson said that the proposed changes were intended to ensure community safety remains paramount while minimising impacts on staff.
However, Community and Public Sector Union spokesman Wayne Townsend expressed concern, claiming that these cuts might affect crucial community services
”The major concern is changes within the community correction program, which looks after offenders.
“We are now having a reversion of that. Our members are concerned this will put the community at risk.
“There are a large number of roles that are going”
The announcement of job reductions comes as the union representing the public service is negotiating a new pay deal.
The union is advocating for a 20 percent pay increase over four years and a four-day working week, aiming to maintain productivity while reducing working hours.
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