Public Sector Severance Scheme Approved
The Cook Government has given the green light to a voluntary targeted separation scheme for WA public sector employees in 2026.
What happened
Premier Roger Cook, also the Minister for Public Sector Management, approved the "Voluntary Targeted Separation Scheme—2026" under the Public Sector Management Act 1994. This scheme allows employing authorities within the Western Australian public sector to offer voluntary severance packages to eligible employees. The announcement was made via a notice in the WA Government Gazette, signalling the official commencement of the scheme. The goal is to allow agencies to reshape their workforce through voluntary departures.
What this means for you
If you are a Western Australian public sector employee, you may be offered a voluntary severance package by your employer. This means you have the option to leave your position in exchange for a severance payment. If you are considering this offer, carefully review the terms and conditions, including the payment amount, benefits, and any restrictions on future employment with the WA public sector. This scheme is voluntary, so you are not obligated to accept a severance package if offered.
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What this means for WA
This voluntary separation scheme signals a potential shift in the Cook Government's approach to public sector management. While the government frames it as a way for agencies to reshape their workforce, it also suggests a need to manage budgetary pressures. Previous public sector separation schemes in WA have been implemented during times of economic constraint. The scheme could lead to a leaner public sector, potentially impacting service delivery and the overall composition of the workforce. It concentrates power in the hands of employing authorities, who will decide which employees are offered severance packages.
The numbers
The scheme is authorised under the Public Sector Management Act 1994, giving it legal grounding. The Salaries and Allowances Tribunal is actively adjusting remuneration for key public sector roles, as evidenced by "Determination Variation No. 17 of 2025 — Special Division of the Public Service and Prescribed Offices," among others. This suggests ongoing adjustments to public sector compensation structures. The notice explicitly names "Roger Cook, Premier; Minister for Public Sector Management" as the responsible entity, underscoring his direct involvement. The Metropolitan Region Scheme is actively being amended, with "Metropolitan Region Scheme Amendment 1388/57 (Minor) — Wattle Grove (South) Precinct" re-zoning 126 hectares, a similar scale of the "Metropolitan Region Scheme Amendment 1426 (Complex) — Lyon and Kinley Roads, Banjup" which is re-zoning 57.76 hectares. This showcases the scale of planning changes occurring across WA.
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