- Published by:
- Industrial Relations Victoria
- Date:
- 1 July 2026
This policy has been updated and the latest version comes into effect from 1 July 2026. Please note that the prior version is still available to download from the side menu.
Context
The Victorian Government has endorsed a range of budget initiatives which will necessitate reprioritisation of existing activities and resources across the Victorian Public Service (VPS).
This policy sets out the Victorian Government’s approach to implementing the reprioritisations required in the VPS arising from these initiatives.
Application
This policy applies to all public service body heads (‘Employers’) in respect of all non-executive level public service Employees and all savings requirements (including those arising from the Independent Review of the Victorian Public Service review (also referred to as the ‘Silver Review’) as well as any reprioritisations arising from the 2023‑24, 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27 Budgets. VPS Employers may use this policy to acquit multiple savings requirements.
Executive level public service Employees may also be subject to savings requirements but are not covered by this policy. However, VPS Employees who were Executive level public service Employees and have exercised a right of return under s.27 of the Public Administration Act 2004 (Vic) (PA Act) are covered by this policy.
This policy applies until 30 June 2027 unless replaced sooner.
Principles for implementing budget reprioritisations in the VPS
In implementing budget reprioritisations employers must apply the following principles.
Tools for implementing budget reprioritisations in the VPS
To give effect to any required changes to workforce composition, employers may use any of the following tools, alone or in combination.
Workload Management
Employers have a responsibility under the OHS Act to provide and maintain a safe work environment, including providing a safe and healthy workload for Employees.
Attachment A - Other relevant public service enterprise agreements
Attachment A to the document Implementing Budget Reprioritisations in the Victorian Public Service. The attachment relates to other relevant public service enterprise agreements
Attachment B - Process for managing budget reprioritisations in the VPS
These steps are a proposed approach to managing budget reprioritisations in the VPS.
Attachment C - Calculation basis for separation package
Continuous service for separation packages refers to Victorian public sector agency employment only.
Attachment D - List of VPS Employers
The table lists VPS Employers subject to this policy, as at 25 May 2026, who are covered by Part 3 of the Public Administrations Act 2004 (Vic) and the VPS Agreement.
Updated