Public servants union dumps Labor over job cuts before Victorian election
Victoria's CPSU union withdraws Labor support, citing public service cuts and high spending on consultants.
Victoria's public servants union, the CPSU, says it will not support Labor before this month's state election. The government cut about 1,000 public service roles.
At the same time it spent $1.2bn on consultants. Secretary Jiselle Hanna told the Guardian the union will not back Premier Ben Carroll.
The union needs a firm commitment that there will be no further job cuts. The Helen Silver review came last year.
It cut more than 300 executive positions. More than 200 additional restructures have followed since then.
Many resulted in job losses and pay cuts. The CPSU argues these cuts only lead to privatisation by stealth.
Government work shifts to costly external consultants instead. Several other unions have also turned against Labor or refused to campaign for it.
- about 1,000 roles
- Public service job cuts
- $1.2 billion
- Consultant spending
- more than 300
- Executive positions cut
- 58,000 people
- VPS employment (June 2025)
Why it mattersUnion withdrawal signals growing dissatisfaction with Labor's workplace policies.
AustraliaVictorian voters face conflicting messages from the parties on public service jobs; union campaigns will influence how union members vote on 28 November.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
