So far the department has found 100 workers willing to take an early retirement package and bow out.
The early retirement offer was made available to everyone in the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) who was aged over 55 and continuously employed for at least three years by DJPR.
The large exodus has those in the agricultural space worried, but the Victorian Government is brushing it off as a drop in the ocean.
Agriculture Victoria has more than 1200 staff and is the largest group under the DJPR umbrella.
Across the entire DJPR, a total of 174 people chose to take the early retirement.
The loss of 100 workers reduces Agriculture Victoria’s staff by 8.3 per cent.
Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh said the job losses came in the wake of 47 jobs lost in late 2021, largely in the soils research team.
“More job losses targeting the people who support our food and fibre sector show Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas is no champion for Victorian farmers,” Mr Walsh said.
Ms Thomas dropped into the Victorian Country Hour on ABC Radio on February 16.
“The public service was asked in last year’s budget to find savings,” Ms Thomas said.
“In the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, early retirement packages have been offered. A hundred staff in Ag Vic have taken the opportunity.”
A few critical roles have been left vacant by the exodus, but Ms Thomas said Agriculture Victoria chief executive Matt Lowe was managing the skill loss.
A Victorian Government spokesperson told Country News Agriculture Victoria would have more staff in 2022 than it did in 2018.
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