The state government has hired Herbert Smith Freehills, based in Melbourne, to represent it in the Tasmanian Industrial Commission on Monday.

The government will fight against the unions’ attempt to enshrine a six-month pay freeze into public servants’ awards and agreements.

Unions Tasmania president Roz Madsen said the government would probably have to shell out $145,000 for the hearing.

‘‘The government could have used its own in-house lawyers but clearly no expense is to be spared when it comes to stopping its workers from saving the government money,’’ she said.

Ms Madsen said the decision flew in the face of the government’s stated preference for giving contracts to local business.

Premier Will Hodgman disputed the $145,000 figure and said the government could not have used its in-house lawyers for the hearing.

‘‘The former government engaged the same law firm, so it’s not unusual for governments to defend their position,’’ he said.

‘‘There could be no suggestion at all that it could be done in-house because it involves the public sector, and clearly then it’s appropriate to outsource that for this purpose.’’

The unions brought the Industrial Commission proceedings on in a last-ditch attempt to save the jobs that will go as a result of the pay freeze failure.

The government says 460 jobs will be cut this financial year, in addition to the 361 announced in the budget.

The equivalent of 266 full-time positions will be shed from the Education Department, while the Department of Health and Human Services will lose 224 workers.

The Department of State Growth will cut 174 positions, or more than 21 per cent of its workforce.