Message to the Tasmanian State Service
As part of my annual State of the State address, today I will announce that parts of the Tasmanian State Service will undergo changes to ensure it is best placed to deliver for the Tasmanian community.
The Tasmanian State Service plays an important role in delivering services for the Tasmanian community and I want to ensure the state service is best able to support Tasmania and Tasmanian businesses with an agile, streamlined and a client-centred focus.
Today I will announce that the Department of State Growth will undergo a total transformation.
The Department of State Growth was established in 2014 and it has served us well. However over ten years have passed and our economy and our community needs are changing. We need to consider how we set ourselves up for success for the future.
The Department of State Growth will be restructured to create a new department called Building Tasmania. Minister Vincent will be the responsible Minister for Building Tasmania and will ensure an integrated and ongoing infrastructure delivery focus for Tasmania.
Building Tasmania will deliver the roads, housing and infrastructure our state needs to be fit for the future. This will also include the transition of Homes Tasmania into Building Tasmania.
Functions within the Department of State Growth will be realigned with our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, including a new Economic Development entity to keep driving our growth agenda.
A new entity covering Tourism, Events and Creative Tasmania will drive our state’s future as a destination economy and a leader in the arts. This will also include Brand Tasmania.
Over the coming months, we will work through the remaining functions and services in the Department of State Growth to consider their alignment with other agencies. By aligning services that share a similar purpose, we are using the skills and knowledge of our state service to drive outcomes, enhance delivery for our community and maximise economies of scale – this contributes to right sizing the state service.
The reshaping of the state service will assist in reducing duplication, removing inefficiencies and provide a refocus on key priorities. As such, implementing the Department of State Growth machinery of government change will include a reduction target of 250 FTEs.
I acknowledge the contribution of all Department of State Growth employees and of Craig Limkin as Secretary of the Department. From 7 March 2026, Craig will take a period of leave and Shane Gregory will act as the Secretary Department of State Growth and to commence the transition of the agency. A project team will also be established to lead and implement the whole of government changes.
I recognise that change can bring uncertainty. Your Head of Agency will be also be communicating with you today, and will provide you with further details about the changes and information about the supports that are available in your agency.
Jeremy Rockliff MP
Premier