VCOSS responds to Victorian public service cuts

MEDIA RELEASE

Victoria’s peak body for community services has expressed alarm at the type of public service cuts announced by the Victorian Government, following the release of the Silver Review.

The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) understands the necessity of making hard decisions to get the best outcomes from Victorian public money, especially where there are demonstrable inefficiencies and duplications in the public sector.

But an analysis of how and where Government is choosing to withdraw or redistribute funding raises serious questions about the impact on some of our most important service systems.

VCOSS’ key concerns include:

• The decision to disband VicHealth as a standalone health promotion and prevention body, absorbing some of its functions into the Department of Health. VicHealth has been at the heart of Victoria’s public health successes for nearly 40 years and its independence has been critical to its impact.  
• The decision to abolish Sustainability Victoria and cease its functions. Climate change is one of the greatest threats to the state’s economy and social fabric. Over the past 40 years, Sustainability Victoria has catalysed change that builds community and economic resilience. It’s typically been ahead of the curve – a driving force initiating solutions to some of our most pressing emerging environmental challenges.
• Cuts and proposed funding model changes that will directly impact the delivery of frontline services by community services providers. VCOSS continues to seek more information about changes foreshadowed in the Review.
• Changes to the architecture of regulation and oversight bodies, as well as cuts to independent advisory bodies (such as Infrastructure Victoria), advisory and reference groups and other engagement and consultation mechanisms. While VCOSS understands the need for government to work in ways that are efficient and impactful, there is a risk that evidence-informed decisions and government transparency and accountability will be eroded if these changes are not carefully enacted. The Victorian Government cannot solve the state’s big social and economic challenges on its own – it not only needs a capable public service, but to leverage the deep expertise of those on the frontline of these issues.  

VCOSS urges the Victorian Government to delay the implementation of these cuts to allow for further consultation. This can ensure that any changes have the desired effect of making the public service more effective, without hurting Victorian communities.  

Quotes attributable to Juanita Pope, Chief Executive Officer, VCOSS:

“The Government said that the Silver Review wouldn’t cut frontline services, but these changes effectively do that by clawing back funding from contracted community services organisations and dismantling entities that partner with the community sector to provide vital support for vulnerable Victorians.”

“These ‘contracting reforms’ for community service organisations will hit hard, especially in regional areas where labour shortages and poor system stewardship by government are the actual cause of perceived ‘under-performance.’”

“If Victoria disbands VicHealth as an independent health promotion and prevention body, the consequences for all Victorians will be dire. This so-called ‘cost saving’ will prove to be an expensive mistake. Chronic disease is rising, hospitals are struggling under the weight of crisis demand, and public health misinformation and disinformation are flourishing.

“Now is the time to double down on, not cut, prevention. Decisions announced today will not only drive up pressure for hospital care, but will produce more demand for social assistance from the community services sector – which is also slated for funding cuts.”