The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) says it will not support any Victorian political party that plans to cut public service jobs, warning that slashing jobs leads to a costly reliance on consultants. 

Data released by the CPSU today shows that the Victorian Labor Government has spent $1.2 billion outsourcing public service work to consultants in the last eight years, all while slashing jobs across departments.

The data from 10 state government departments shows the Department of Treasury and Finance had the highest spend of approximately $222 million since 2017, while the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action had the highest annual spend of approximately $86 million in the 2024-25 financial year. 

With more cuts on the horizon for Labor, the Liberals’ plan of a hiring freeze of 8000 'back office' public service workers, and One Nation planning job cuts throughout the service – the reliance on consultants will only increase. 

The CPSU has launched a platform for Victorians to sign a pledge in support of the public service, committing to not support any candidate who plans to slash public service jobs.

Public service workers must be supported and empowered to keep doing the vital work that keeps the state running, which includes 'back office' responsibilities like:

• Managing responses to emergencies like directing firefighters during bushfires
• Analysing DNA, fingerprints, ballistics as well as attending and examining major crime scenes
• Taking crisis calls regarding the immediate safety of children, and investigating childcare centres
• Investigating energy companies who price-gouge customers
• Setting school curricula to ensure Victorian students receive quality education

If jobs continue to be cut, then this essential and highly skilled work won't continue in the same way. Cutting public service jobs will impact all of us.

Quotes attributable to CPSU Vic Secretary, Jiselle Hanna:

"It's disappointing that these political parties don't seem to realise that cutting jobs doesn't magically remove the work that needs to be done."

"There seems to be a constant focus on frontline versus backline workers, when actually the frontline can't function without the people behind the scenes."

"More efficient government is possible without slashing the public service to the bone – it is done through smarter management, better governance, and restoring the public service’s ability to do its job without interference."

"Unfortunately for Victorians, consultants cost a fortune, yet they don't deliver the same quality of work as public servants with a deep understanding of government, the services they deliver, and the communities they serve."

ENDS

Sign our pledge here. 
Consultant Spend Data available here.