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Consultancies tripled under Andrews Labor government while front-facing services for Victorians have suffered

The Andrews Labor government's tripled spending on consultancy while front-facing service from Victorian Public Service has reduced, frustrating constituents. Urgent action needed.

By news@gippsland - 23rd March 2023 - Back to News

This morning's revelations in the Age that the Andrews Labor government has tripled spending on consultancy since coming to government in 2015 should be a surprise to no-one. This is despite Victorian public service numbers having risen around 60 per cent in the same time. What is frustrating about this, though, is the reduction in front-facing service from the Victorian Public Service in recent years.

Poor frontline service of government agencies, worsened by COVID, including BDM Victoria, delaying birth and death certificate inquiries

Poor government services

Based on complaints to my office, the frontline service of many government agencies has been terrible, some of it under the cover of COVID, but not getting much better in recent months. Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria has been one of the worst offenders, with constituents struggling to get hold of BDM for birth and death certificate inquiries. It took one Gippsland family in my electorate eight months to register a baby born outside the hospital system.

Right now the BDM customer service centre - it seems like an oxymoron in the circumstances - is still closed. In recent months I have had constituents with similar problems contacting anyone at Aboriginal Housing Victoria and the working with children check hotline, and we have seen reductions in office opening hours at Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action offices, as previously raised by my colleague the member

Pictures from Google Maps.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  A section of the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra, damaged by wombats, has been repaired. Water will return to full capacity, and normal delivery will resume tomorrow.
• Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
  The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
  Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities.
• Darren Chester urges more fuel reduction to protect Victorian communities from bushfires
  Darren Chester urged increased fuel reduction on Victorian public land, warning unmanaged forests worsen bushfires, and criticised the native timber industry shutdown while praising volunteers and community resilience.
• Tim Bull urges reflection and respect on Remembrance Day honouring all Australian servicemen
  Tim Bull urges all Australians to honour veterans and current servicemen, reflecting on their sacrifice, courage, and service, while supporting commemorative events and ensuring no veteran is ever forgotten.
• East Gippsland Council adopts 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements, advocacy, investment, and community-focused service delivery
  East Gippsland Shire Council has adopted its 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements in service delivery, infrastructure, advocacy, bushfire recovery, and community resilience while addressing cost-of-living and housing challenges.
• Danny O’Brien calls for clarity on free children’s public transport amid Gippsland V/Line concerns
  Danny O’Brien urges Labor to clarify free children’s public transport rollout, warning Gippsland families face confusion over youth myki requirements, online access, and unmanned V/Line stations from January 2026.