Thursday 07 May 2026
The Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association of WA (CPSU/CSA) has slammed the WA Government’s decision to harm public service delivery for Western Australians, by cutting 1,500 jobs from the Western Australian Public Sector. CPSU/CSA representatives entered the 2026-27 WA State Budget Industry Lockup on Thursday morning with a sense of hope and clearly misplaced optimism, looking out for further investment in the WA public sector, particularly investment in our regional and remote locations who have fought tooth and nail for long overdue improved regional outcomes, like a modern District Allowance.
Unfortunately, the budget handed down by the Deputy Premier; Treasurer, Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA is a budget that despite posting a $3.5 billion surplus this financial year and forecasting $2.5 billion the next, hurts public service delivery that Western Australians rely on, by cutting 1,500 general government roles, the vast majority of which fall within the scope of the CPSU/CSA’s coverage. The Government claims the Voluntary Targeted Separation Scheme (VTSS) won’t affect frontline services, however CPSU/CSA delegates and members know that effective frontline service delivery doesn’t happen without the critical backline roles that support those functions.
CPSU/CSA Branch Secretary, Melanie Bray, said that the reality is that every frontline needs a backline; and while the worker goes, the work doesn't.
“The Premier stands in Parliament House today, telling the people of Western Australia that this budget is delivered in a time of global economic uncertainty. That the Government needed to recognise there’s cost-of-living pressures, while at the same time saying that we have a very strong economy and that they’re delivering a surplus into the billions of dollars. Those things are hard to reconcile with a decision to cut 1,500 public sector jobs.
“Our members are at the heart of every commitment of this Government; our members are in fact at the heart of the way it runs at all. Every frontline needs a backline. Every worker needs somebody at their back, raising their voice and fighting for their jobs. Our union has been doing that for over 120 years and we’re not going to stop today.”
ENDS
- The CPSU/CSA covers 44,000 general public sector workers, one-quarter of the WA public sector, including child protection officers, youth custodial officers, park rangers, veterinary scientists and dental technicians.
- Note to Journalists: Please ensure the full acronym, “CPSU/CSA” when mentioning us. “CPSU” is typically used to refer to the Union that covers Commonwealth, ACT and NT public sector workers. We are related but separate organisations.
For more information or to arrange further comment from CPSU/CSA Branch Secretary Melanie Bray:
Alex Wallace
CPSU/CSA Media and Stakeholder Officer
M: 0421 934 794 E: [email protected]
