Up to 3,000 Public Sector Jobs at Risk in Victoria

Victoria’s public sector is about to face some big changes, with up to 3,000 jobs on the chopping block as the state government kicks off a major review.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Treasurer Jaclyn Symes fronted the media today to announce that Helen Silver will lead the review, with a final report due by June 30. The goal? To cut out waste and inefficiencies while keeping essential services intact.

About six per cent of the workforce could be affected, but there’s some reassurance—frontline workers like teachers, nurses, police, and child protection officers won’t be impacted. “We’re making sure every dollar in the budget is spent wisely, just like households are doing right now,” Allan said.

Symes confirmed the cuts are coming and acknowledged that tough decisions lie ahead. “This is about protecting the critical services Victorians rely on while identifying duplication, inefficiencies, and outdated programs that might not be relevant anymore,” she explained.

The review will take a deep dive into government spending, looking at where processes can be streamlined and whether the public sector needs to return to its pre-pandemic size. Executive roles will also come under scrutiny.

Interim recommendations are expected in April, just before the state budget is released on May 20, with the final report landing on June 30. One thing’s clear—change is coming for Victoria’s public sector.