The Victorian Government has commissioned an independent review of Victoria’s Public Service (VPS) to ensure it is firmly focused on the needs of Victorian families.
The Review, to be 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, said 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,” said the Premier.
“This is about getting government back to those basics – delivering on what matters most to working families.”
By reducing spend on waste, inefficiency and areas that aren’t the priority for Victorians in a cost of living crisis, the Premier said 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,” she said.
Review leader, Ms Silver has also previously 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 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.
“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,” said Treasurer, Jaclyn Symes.
“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.”
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.
The findings of the Review will be reported directly to the Treasurer and Premier.
