Department changes to strengthen Tasmanian Outcomes (24 Feb 2022)

Dear Colleagues

As you would be aware, today the Premier announced machinery of Government changes that reflect Government’s priority to provide the best possible support for Tasmanians, particularly vulnerable Tasmanians. The changes announced will see functions relating to children and young people align within the one Department of Education, Children and Young People.

The changes will also see Housing become a statutory authority, reporting directly to the Minister for Housing.

The remaining divisions of the Department of Communities Tasmania will transition to the Department of State Growth and the Department of Premier and Cabinet, where those units best align with other functions and services. The Department of Communities will therefore cease to exist as a separate entity.

Communities Secretary, Professor Michael Pervan, will work with other affected Heads of Agency to oversee the transition plan. Professor Pervan will transfer into the position of Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, a vitally important state-wide leadership role for the State Service.

You can read the Premier’s media release, which gives fuller detail of the planned changes and timeframes here.

I acknowledge this change has significant implications for the many employees of Communities Tasmania, and also for the staff who will welcome new units and colleagues into their Agency in Education, State Growth and Premier and Cabinet. There is much work ahead as we progress the realignments in a phased approach from 1 July 2022 to be completed by 30 September 2022.

I would like to reiterate the Premier’s strong message that these changes are not about finding efficiencies and no jobs will be lost. I know that times of change are often challenging, and can at times feel confronting. If you need support, please reach out to your Agency’s EAP provider.

Your Head of Agency will ensure that you receive communications that are timely and relevant to your specific circumstances in the coming months.

Best wishes