General News
4 June, 2026
Cuts to cost the region jobs
THE Victorian Government has hit out at the Liberal and National economic plan to reach cash surplus by 2032, saying the plans will slash one in seven public servants – directly impacting services in the regions.
Labor have slammed the commitment as new analysis shows at least 1500 workers across regional Victoria will lose their jobs, including more than 430 workers in the Barwon south west region.
Minister for Regional Development Michaela Settle said Victorian public service employees in the regions, including health professionals, child protection workers and biosecurity professionals, provide vital services in the community.
“Jess Wilson’s plan slashes one in seven public servants – and we all know the Liberals won’t stop there,” she said.
“These Liberal and National cuts will hit every sector in regional Victoria, including critical biosecurity work that keeps our agricultural sector safe, competitive and productive.”
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Ms Settle said the $40 billion commitment in cuts would not just impact staff – it would require the closure of hospitals and schools, which would devastate regionals towns.
“Jess Wilson and Danny O’Brien’s plan means one thing, cuts to regional hospitals, schools and police – and thousands of regional Victorians out of work,” she said.
The criticism follows the unveiling of the Opposition’s centrepiece pitch ahead of the November State Election, a 10-year plan to secure Victoria’s economic future.
The commitment includes a hiring freeze on “back-office” public service roles, increasing the land tax threshold to $300,000, increasing the payroll tax threshold to $1.2 million, removing the Emergency Services Levy and ending taxes on GP visits, schools and short-stay accommodation.