Public servants on notice that they can be directed to work to support the Yes vote

Victorian public servants could be forced to work to support the Yes campaign and there are fears “anyone who disagrees will have their card marked”.

Victorian public servants could be forced to work to support the Yes campaign for the Voice even if they have personal ­opposition to the referendum question.

New guidance released by the Victorian Public Sector Commissioner has put public servants on notice that they can be directed to work to support the Yes vote.

“In the lead-up to the referendum, some employees in the Victorian public sector may be asked to undertake work that supports the Victorian government’s alignment with the national cabinet Statement of Intent,” it says.

“The government of the day can lawfully ask public sector employees (other than ­employees in special bodies) to do this as these employees must implement the policies and programs of the elected ­government.”

The state government can lawfully ask public sector employees to work to support the Yes vote. Picture: Tertius Pickard

In February, Daniel Andrews, along with all other First Ministers of Australia, publicly signed a Statement of Intent that committed the Commonwealth and all states and territories to support a constitutionally enshrined Voice to the federal parliament.

A Department of Premier and Cabinet spokesman said the government was yet to ask public servants to take up work to support the referendum.

But public servants, speaking anonymously, said they were braced for directives once a referendum date was set.

“Anyone who disagrees will have their card marked,” one senior bureaucrat said.

Staff can request not to take part in any referendum-­related work, but the decision is discretionary.

Opposition spokesman David Davis said the guidance “effectively mobilises on a war footing the tens of thousands of public servants who will ­either join the campaign or be ostracised.”

Shadow Special Minister of State David Davis has criticised the move. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

“It is clear from this weak, in fact pathetic, advice that the Victorian government is gearing up to throw the full weight of the Victorian public sector, including all its huge resources and people, into partisan campaigning for the Yes case,” he said.

“Public servants who through conscience have a different view appear likely to be dragooned by Daniel Andrews into working in support of the Yes case.

“It is little more than a veiled threat that your career will be stunted if you do not conform to and work to support the Yes case. It is clear that VPS staff who don’t support the Voice will be on the outer, given special duties in the naughty corner.”

Mr Davis questioned taxpayer funds being devoted to the campaign during a cost-of-living crisis. Victoria is the only state yet to explicitly rule out cash aid for the Yes campaign.