Lapsing Programs from Budget 2025/26.  The Treasurer brought down the 2025-2026 State Budget last week which signaled in the announcement that a number of lapsing programs will not be funded going forward.  No details of what specific programs are lapsing are contained in any details in the Budget.  I therefore wrote to all Departmental Secretaries requesting the full list of their lapsing programs from each portfolio and the numbers of staff affected in their areas.

I refer to the 2025-2026 Victorian Budget currently being presented by the Treasurer.
I am advised that you all have the list of programs that are to be cut or that are lapsing as a result of this budget.
I have been advised to request the full list from each of you for both your Departmental outlays and the agencies and programs under your portfolios.

I drew their attention to their obligations to consult with the union and its members under our various EBA's.

The responses to date are as follows and replicate a common theme;

• DFFH - We will be taking some time to digest and analyse the decisions announced in the Budget. We need to work through this before we can start implementing any outcome.
• DEECA - The Department is analysing the decisions and working to develop our approach to implementation. This will involve holistic consideration of the budget outcomes. We will ensure we meet the Policy requirements of public service employers in accordance with our obligations under the VPS Enterprise Agreement.
• DET - My department will be taking the necessary time to analyse the decisions and work through a plan for implementing them. Over the coming weeks the Board will seek to minimise the impact of the savings on staff and maintain the balance of the department’s core functions and activities.  We expect to be able to share a proposed approach once it has been shaped and we will consult employees and the CPSU, in accordance with our obligations under the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024, on workforce implications.
• DGS - will analyse the decisions in the Budget and work through a plan for implementing them. In implementing these decisions, we will consult employees and their representatives on any workforce implications that may arise. This consultation will occur in accordance with our obligations under the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024.
• DOH - My department will be working through an analysis of the decisions and next steps including implementation planning – a priority is to carefully assess decisions that will cease or reduce funding for programs or functions of departments and agencies. In planning for implementation, we’ll consider the budget outcomes as a whole so as to ensure our workforce is aligned to the Government’s priorities and workforce impacts can be managed in a manner aligned to Government expectations.
• DJCS - We will be taking some time to digest and analyse the decisions announced in the Budget. We need to work through this before we can start implementing any outcome.
• DJSIR
• DPC
• DTF - I will be working with my senior executive and the leadership of our attached agencies on implementation of relevant initiatives. As we do so, we will consult employees and their representatives on any workforce implications. This consultation will occur in accordance with our obligations under the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024.  Where implementation of these decisions does have workforce impacts, Government has recently endorsed the continuation of the Implementing Budget Reprioritisations in the Victorian Public Service Policy (Policy) for a further 12 months, subject to consultation on its final terms with CPSU.
• DTP
• VICPOL
  
  

Almost a third of the 518 projects funded in last year’s budget have been delayed by at least three months. An analysis of state budget papers* found 171 projects, referred to as “revised” completion dates. Many of them had already been delayed in previous budgets. (*AGE)

Stand Up 4 Our Services

The Silver review has not been released as its not due to report to Government until June 30th.  

The focus of this Review is the structure of the broader public sector.  There are no proposals arising from it in the public domain.

Our request through FOI to get a copy of the interim report was rejected after it went to Cabinet.

Discussions will be ongoing once the details are public.

Every job is important and if the Government is going to support workers and their families under this budget it needs to also include its own workforce. Comments by Government about their expectations while the content of this report remain hidden are unhelpful.

If you or your colleagues are concerned or are affected, join the union

Help us prepare our response by forwarding any important info on the status of your program.

In Unity,

KAREN BATT
CPSU Victorian Branch Secretary