In a cost of living crisis, families are having to carefully consider every dollar. They expect their government to do the same.
It's why the Allan Labor Government has commissioned an independent review of Victoria's Public Service (VPS) - ensuring it's firmly focused on the needs of Victorian families.
The Review, led by Helen Silver AO, will zero in on waste and inefficiency. It will also make sure the public service serves the Victorian people and their priorities: good schools, good hospitals, safe communities - and help with the cost of living.
By reducing spend on waste, inefficiency and areas that aren't the priority for Victorians in a cost of living crisis, the Review will make sure Government keeps investing where it matters most: the frontline.
Frontline workers will not be included in the scope of the Silver Review. This Government will never cut nurses, teachers, police officers or child protection workers.
Helen Silver brings to the Review her extensive service in the private sector, having worked with some of Australia's biggest businesses. She also served as Secretary of DPC under Premiers Brumby and Baillieu. Under her commission, the Review will:
identify overlaps, inefficiencies, functions and programs within the VPS that can be streamlined or eliminated
provide recommendations to improve processes, and make sure all VPS departments and programs work efficiently
provide recommendations to reduce the VPS back towards its pre-pandemic share of employment - including an examination of the appropriate levels of executives
The findings of the Review will be reported directly to the Treasurer and Premier, ensuring the recommendations are being considered at the heart of government.
The Review will apply to all departments and their entities, but will not include integrity agencies or Parliament given their independent functions. Capital expenditure is also not included in the Review.
The Review's work begins today, with its interim recommendations provided to Government for consideration as part of the Victorian Budget 2025/26. The final Report and Recommendations will be provided to Government by 30 June 2025, and then released alongside the Government's final response.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"Victorians rightly expect government to be laser focused on their priorities - whether that's good schools and hospitals, help with the cost of living or keeping communities safe."
"This is about getting government back to those basics - delivering on what matters most to working families."
As stated by Treasurer Jaclyn Symes
"In a cost-of-living crisis, governments need to consider every dollar. Through this independent Review, we'll make sure every dollar of government investment is working hard for Victorian families."
"Frontline workers are excluded from the scope of this Review. Unlike the Liberals, we will never cut nurses, teachers, police officers or child protection workers."
