Victoria faces staffing 'crisis' at emergency control centre, union warns

Victoria's critical emergency response hub faces a dramatic staffing reduction of nearly two-thirds under proposed government restructuring, the Community and Public Sector Union has warned, raising concerns about the state's capacity to manage natural disasters.

The State Control Centre, which coordinates bushfire and flood response across Victoria, will be significantly downsized as Emergency Management Victoria and Emergency Recovery Victoria merge under cost-cutting measures outlined in the government's Silver review of the public service.

Merger triggers capacity concerns

Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes announced the merger late last year as part of broader efforts to consolidate government agencies. However, the CPSU argues the restructure effectively reverses critical reforms implemented following recommendations of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.

The union claims the proposed staffing changes roll back reforms triggered by the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, raising questions about emergency preparedness at a time when Victoria faces increased climate-related disaster risks.

The State Control Centre operates as the centralised command post for emergency management across the state, coordinating response to major incidents including the devastating bushfire season experienced earlier this year, where 54 homes were destroyed in Harcourt alone.

Government maintains 24/7 operations

Emergency Management Victoria has stated the control centre will remain staffed around the clock under the proposed restructure. Officials maintain that operational capacity will be preserved despite the workforce reduction.

However, union representatives argue that eliminating two-thirds of full-time equivalent positions will inevitably compromise response capability during peak emergency periods, particularly during the critical bushfire and storm seasons.

Broader public service cuts

The proposed restructure forms part of a wider restructuring programme across Victoria's public service, with the government seeking to improve efficiency and reduce expenditure. The Silver review, commissioned to examine government operations, has recommended numerous agency mergers and staff reductions across multiple departments.

The timing of the emergency response hub cuts has drawn particular scrutiny given Victoria's vulnerability to climate-related disasters and the ongoing recovery from recent natural disasters that have affected communities across the state.

What's next

The merger proposal remains under consideration by the Victorian government. Industrial relations discussions between the CPSU and Emergency Management Victoria are expected to continue as officials work through the restructuring details and staffing implications.

The outcome will have significant implications for Victoria's disaster preparedness framework and the state's ability to respond effectively to major emergency events in coming years.

This article reports on analysis from ABC News