UPDATE: The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions has proposed a drastic restructure that could potentially impact up to 3,000 jobs across the public sector, including the complete elimination of Creative Victoria’s music and screen workforce. This urgent development comes as union members convened a mass meeting on Monday to address the implications of these cuts.
Treasurer Jaclyn Symes is set to unveil the Silver review in the coming months, which outlines sweeping cuts to the public sector. Earlier, the May state budget had already indicated 1,200 job losses based on preliminary recommendations from the review led by former bureaucrat Helen Silver.
The proposed changes aim to achieve over $3 billion in savings across the public sector, according to consultation documents obtained by The Age. The government asserts that efficiency measures necessitate workforce reprofiling and potential layoffs to meet financial targets.
“This restructure could leave the entire creative investment team at Creative Victoria without jobs, devastating our arts and culture sector,” stated a union representative during the meeting. The proposed cuts would impact various sectors, including Corporate Services, Economic Policy, and Skills and TAFE.
With the announcement of this restructure, the Community and Public Sector Union is rallying its members to voice their concerns and protect jobs. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as the timeline for these layoffs remains uncertain but imminent.
The proposed job cuts will not only affect employees but also the broader community, given the pivotal role these sectors play in fostering creativity and economic development in Victoria. As union members mobilize to fight against these layoffs, all eyes will be on the government’s next steps following the release of the Silver review.
Watch for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
