Educators on the line in proposed Zoos Victoria job cuts

Educators at Zoos Victoria face potential job losses as the organisation prepares for a major restructuring. More than a third of educator positions could be eliminated, according to proposals unveiled earlier this month. The plan, which includes reducing education staff at Melbourne Zoo by nearly 40 percent, from approximately six full-time roles to just over three, has raised alarms among unions and staff members. These cuts come amid growing concerns that the quality of educational programming for students visiting the zoos could decline significantly. Over 150,000 students visit Zoos Victoria sites annually, relying on educators to deliver vital lessons on wildlife and conservation. The proposed restructuring was first disclosed by The Age in June, revealing plans to reduce up to 70 full-time roles from a total workforce of around 950. While the organisation has since adjusted its stance, indicating ongoing consultations with staff, the initial proposal has sparked widespread concern. Unions representing more than 600 employees, nearly two-thirds of the organisation’s workforce, have expressed opposition to the cuts, warning of broader implications for operations. The Community and Public Sector Union and the United Workers Union argue that the restructure reflects a disconnect between management and the practical challenges faced by frontline staff. Jiselle Hanna, state secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union, highlighted the potential impact on student engagement and safety. She noted that educators play a critical role in maintaining both the volume and quality of educational experiences for children. “If this restructure is genuinely being driven by financial pressures, then why would cuts be made to an entity that brings in millions of dollars annually through school visits?” she questioned. Hanna emphasized that the affected staff are highly trained professionals with extensive experience, responsible for educating, entertaining, and ensuring visitor safety. Unions have also warned that the proposed cuts could lead to cascading effects throughout the organisation. Staff are already being asked to take on additional responsibilities, raising concerns about workload and operational efficiency. “This restructure process has demonstrated how out of touch the executive team is with the realities of the zoo and the work that zoo staff undertake,” Hanna stated. A Zoos Victoria spokesperson confirmed that frontline services would not be directly impacted, though the final decision on the restructure is still pending, set for release on August 25. The spokesperson reiterated the organisation’s commitment to maintaining high standards in wildlife conservation and visitor experience. Additional reports suggest that the restructure may extend beyond education roles, potentially affecting wildlife and conservation programs. While Zoos Victoria has maintained that frontline and animal care roles will not be directly affected, some staff fear that indirect consequences could emerge. Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell voiced concerns about the impact on conservation efforts, particularly given the current challenges posed by bird flu and the strain on volunteer wildlife carers. “We simply can’t afford to lose any of the dedicated Zoos Victoria teams whose job it is to respond to injured wildlife and protect threatened species,” Purcell said. Further context emerged through documents obtained via freedom of information requests. These revealed that former Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes submitted an advance application for a “letter of comfort” to Zoos Victoria on June 27, 2025. Such letters typically serve to reassure creditors and suppliers that government support will be available if needed. Zoos Victoria’s financial situation appears to be under pressure, having recorded a net operating deficit of $5.6 million during the 2024–25 fiscal year. Operating expenses rose sharply to $137 million, marking a $9.3 million increase compared to the previous year. These figures underscore the organisational challenges driving the proposed restructuring.