Jess Wilson and her Liberal Party’s policy to cut more than 7,000 public servants is a threat to all Victorians, and shows they are not fit to govern.

Victoria only works because we do. Public servants aren’t the problem – politicians are. Especially when they clearly have no clue how this state operates or the vital work public servants do to keep it running.

We know more efficient government is possible with smarter management, better governance, and restoring the public service’s ability to do its job without interference. 

Through the Gold Review we showed major savings are possible without the blunt instrument of job cuts.

This thought-bubble disrespects the public servants who enable the work of front-line staff and first responders. Fire trucks and ambulances don’t maintain themselves, pay doesn’t magically appear in bank accounts, and upgraded facilities don’t just appear or clean themselves overnight.

Wilson seems to think that Prison Officers, Child Protection workers, Housing workers, fisheries officers, youth workers, social workers, forestry field staff, park rangers, scientists, technicians, court staff, State Control Centre emergency management staff, and dozens of other VPS classifications working at the frontline are somehow ‘back-of-house’ roles whose work doesn’t matter. 

A hiring freeze doesn’t mean the work disappears – it will put more pressure on the few staff who remain, and funnel more of your money to consultants.

Wilson should be honest. She can start by sewing sponsor logos for her big management consulting firm mates onto her blazer, who she clearly wants to outsource core government functions to.

The Victorian public service is already running on the smell of an oily rag after years of under-resourcing. Jacinta Allan’s Labor Government needs to heed this warning by committing to no more public sector job cuts.

Quotes attributable to CPSU Victoria Branch Secretary Jiselle Hanna

“Frankly, this is the strongest sign that Jess Wilson’s Liberals have no idea how to run the state; or of the essential work public servants do to keep things running.”

“Seeing public servants only in dollar terms is primary school level economics.” 

“Our union will fight this because we don’t want to watch the state we love crash and burn. Weakened public services mean reduced quality of life for all Victorians.”

“Good luck getting rid of us. We saw how this worked out for Dutton and DOGE. God forgives, but the CPSU Vic keeps receipts.”