Premier Jeremy Rockliff has announced in his annual State of the State address that the Department of State Growth will undergo a total transformation to ensure we are delivering on the Government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
"Over a decade ago, the Hodgman Liberal Government established the Department of State Growth to aggressively grow the economy and create jobs," Premier Rockliff said.
"Since then, more than 50,000 new jobs have been created, and the economy has thrived.
"In that decade, Tasmania has grown strongly and with that growth comes new opportunity.
"Now is not the time to rest. Now is the time to do more.
"Over the coming months, we will create a new department called Building Tasmania.
"Headed by Minister Kerry Vincent, Building Tasmania will ensure our ongoing infrastructure delivery, so the state continues to move forward.
"It will get things built.
"It will get things done.
"It will supercharge delivery of the housing, the roads, the infrastructure our state needs to be fit for the future.
"These changes will ensure the state service is best able to support Tasmania and Tasmanian businesses with an agile, streamlined and client-centred focus."
The reshaping of the state service will ensure the appropriate right-sizing of the organisation with a reduction in headcount in line with our election commitment.
It will help improve the budget, freeing up more than a quarter of a billion dollars.
Functions within the old DSG 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 incorporating Tourism, Events and Creative Tasmania will also be established to keep forging our state's future as a destination economy and a leader in the arts.
These changes will take place over time with absolute consideration to ensure our workforce is involved, supported and respected.
