Arabic version: النقابة تعارض تخفيضات كبيرة في عدد الموظفين في مركز التحكم بولاية فيكتوريا

The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) has criticized a proposed restructuring at Victoria’s State Control Centre that could lead to a significant reduction in staffing. According to ABC News, the CPSU claims that the changes would cut the number of full-time equivalent staff from the current 88 to 31.

Emergency Management Victoria, which oversees the State Control Centre responsible for managing statewide bushfire and flood responses, is set to undergo a merger with Emergency Recovery Victoria. This merger is part of a broader initiative by the Victorian government to streamline public service entities following the Silver review.

CPSU Victorian branch secretary Jiselle Hanna voiced concerns that the proposed cuts would compromise emergency readiness. She emphasized that the current staff operates around the clock, stating, “Disasters don’t stick to a 9 to 5 schedule, so the dedicated workers responsible for managing them shouldn’t either.”

Despite CPSU’s assertions, an Emergency Management Victoria spokesperson maintained that the State Control Centre would continue to be staffed 24/7 under the proposed restructure. The government has also stated that there would be “no net reduction in staffing” and pledged to invest $2 billion in emergency services in the current budget.

Concerns regarding the proposed changes were raised during a recent budget estimates session, with Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch assuring that there would still be 88 full-time staff as part of the new control centre model but as part of “a slightly different mix.” Critics, including Shadow Emergency Services Minister Danny O’Brien, have called for assurances that qualified personnel will be available during emergencies, highlighting the need for a well-resourced emergency management system.