Victorian Government pouring millions of dollars into paying 104 VicGrid staff

The Victorian Government is pouring millions of dollars into paying 104 VicGrid staff to map out where Victoria’s transmission developments should be built.

The Allan Government is pouring millions of dollars into paying 104 VicGrid staff to map out where Victoria’s transmission lines, battery, solar and wind developments should be built.

This week alone VicGrid is seeking applicants for three jobs, ranging from a manager of “social value and inclusion” being offered up to $178,121 a year to a communications director on up to $290,600.

Asked how it could justify paying a communications director so much, a VicGrid spokesman said “keeping the community informed about transmission and renewable energy projects is a key part of VicGrid’s role in the energy transition”.

“This ensures the public have up-to-date information on what’s happening in their area and about how to have their say and be part of the decision making process.”

VicGrid would not reveal exactly how much its director Alistair Parker was paid, but the Victorian Government’s remuneration website reveals that as a level three Senior Executive Service public Mr Parker would be paid between $419,001 to $557,435 annually.

Gre Gre Village farmer and accountant Peter Knights, whose farm is in the midst of the western transmission and renewables zone, said “there’s a lot of people being paid for no productivity”.

He said ultimately the cost of the renewables rollout, spin doctors and consultants would be borne by every Victorian, through increased electricity charges.

“The people who are paying for it can’t afford it,” Mr Knights said. “It’s just going to produce dearer power.”

VicGrid sits within the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, whose last annual report shows it pays its 5632 full-time-equivalent staff an average of $125,818 each (excluding on-costs).