The Victorian Branch audited financial report for the year ended 30 June 2024 has been released showing a surplus of $252,824 with current assets of $12,947,186 following a net growth in members of just under 1,000 after recruiting a record 4,091 new members for the year.

During the year budget re-prioritisation initiatives arising from the 2023-2024 State Budget were notified to the union with significant restructure proposals from the Department of Education, Department of Jobs Skills Industry and Regions, Department of Health, Department of Family Fairness and Housing, Department of Justice and Community Safety, and Department of Transport and Planning being received.

Industrial staff worked with delegates and members to review and respond to these proposals.

CPSU was also active in VTHC's campaign against changes to workers compensation laws however Labor negotiated with the Opposition to get the changes through the Parliament. The new laws significantly reduce circumstances where a WorkCover claim for a psychological injury will be accepted.

Victorian public service bargaining kicked off in September 2023. By years end the parties had reached a stalemate. In particular Government negotiators were hamstrung by the requirements of pay policy. The parties agreed to use an independent facilitator, former FWC Commissioner Julius Roe to progress bargaining. That assistance provided the means for the parties to reach agreement to maximise the outcomes within the policy framework. The parties were able to conclude a settlement by May 2024 with agreed changes to the enterprise agreement and policy initiatives via the VPS BPEC (Best Practice Employment Commitment). At the end of the reporting period the  agreement had commenced the formal ballot process.

A number of other agreements being negotiated during the reporting period are notable.

Bargaining at Serco for a new agreement to mobile road safety camera operators (MRSCO) failed to reach agreement by year’s end. The employer tried to bypass the union with a non union deal. This was rejected by the workforce. Members authorised protected industrial action
over the Xmas/New Year period. Ultimately a new agreement was finally approved by the FWC on 23 June 2024.

CPSU Vic Organiser Lisa Pearce was named Organiser of the Year at the triennial ACTU Congress in Adelaide, for her work organising
and supporting delegates and members at SERCO.

Bargaining negotiations at Leave Plus (formerly Coinvest) identified a large number of fixed term roles. Following the union’s
intervention 56 of 60 fixed term roles were converted to ongoing secure jobs.

CPSU has been assisting members at Parks Victoria in regard to an underpayment of wages spanning some twenty years.