The Victorian Greens have put their support behind council workers and called out decades of cost-shifting and insufficient funding from Victorian Labor as a major issue affecting local councils across Victoria, which are struggling to keep staff and services running.
50% of council workers recently surveyed by the Australian Services Union (ASU) said a lack of government funding is the reason for jobs or services cuts at councils.
Essential services for communities and the workers ensuring Victorians are provided with those services are undervalued and underpaid, as wages fail to keep up with inflation.
At a time when Victorians are experiencing significant cost of living and housing pressures, the need for accessible community services and infrastructure provided by local government is even more critical.
The Greens have urged Premier Allan to increase funding to Victorian councils immediately, to support vital public services and pay workers fairly.
Quotes attributed to Dr Sarah Mansfield, Deputy Leader of the Victorian Greens and spokesperson for Local Government:
"Keeping community services like our libraries running, our streets clean, our bins emptied, and our public spaces maintained is essential work. Yet, despite it being made clear to Victorian Labor repeatedly over many years, councils are struggling, with many jobs and services being guillotined.
"The Government has failed to address critical funding issues, and workers and communities are paying the price.
