Overview
- Opposition Leader Jess Wilson set out a freeze on hiring across 46 departments, with Parliamentary Budget Office modelling showing a reduction of 7,184 roles by July 2029.
- The modelling projects the Victorian Public Service would fall from 49,408 full‑time equivalent positions in early 2027 to 42,224 under the policy.
- Wilson says the plan would save $22 billion over a decade and return the budget to a cash surplus within six years.
- She says the freeze targets back‑office roles, relies on natural attrition, and includes an Essential Services Guarantee that excludes police, nurses, teachers, healthcare workers, and firefighters.
- The announcement comes as budget papers forecast a $7.7 billion cash deficit next year and net debt nearing $200 billion by 2029–30, even as the treasurer highlights a $727 million operating surplus.