Dear colleagues

Today the machinery of government changes announced by the Premier in his State of the State address in early March, start to come into effect.

Building Tasmania commences operations from today (2 July). I want to acknowledge the commitment of staff who contributed to the achievements of the Department of State Growth over the past 12 years.

Today marks a new chapter for integrated infrastructure delivery in Tasmania. Over time, Building Tasmania will deliver the roads, housing, transport and infrastructure that our state needs for the future.

Over the last few months, a Steering Committee has been overseeing the staged establishment of the organisational design and operational matters. Homes Tasmania is also represented on the Steering Committee, in preparation for transition in December 2026.

Work has commenced with agencies regarding the proposed model for the centralised delivery of Tasmanian Government infrastructure projects. This work will continue over the coming months.

Colleagues from the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPAC) and functions will also transfer to the Department of Health today (2 July). This includes Disability Services and Reform, the Office of the Senior Practitioner and the Disability Commissioner Tasmania. These teams have played a vital role in shaping a more inclusive, rights‑based and people‑centred approach to disability in Tasmania. Their work has supported major reforms and strengthened safeguarding and will continue under the leadership at the Department of Health.

Engagement and communication with employees have been a key component of implementing this machinery of government change. This will continue as the next stages of implementation progress.

The following information outlines the next stages in the machinery of government changes:

  • 16 July – DPAC functions transition to Department of Justice
  • 30 July – DPAC functions transition to Department for Education, Children and Young People
  • 13 August – Department of State Growth Climate Change function will be transferred to Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
  • 10 September – Stage two of the Building Tasmania transition will commence with capital projects being transferred in from other agencies.

From there, a key milestone will be 3 December 2026 when:

  • Tourism, Events and Creative Tasmania will be established. This will also include all functions relating to sport
  • DPAC will take on Economic Development, including industry, energy and resources functions from Building Tasmania
  • DPAC will commence delivery of shared corporate services arrangements for Building Tasmania and Tourism, Events and Creative Tasmania, and
  • Homes Tasmania will join Building Tasmania.

In July and August, work will progress to design proposed detailed organisational structures for Building Tasmania, DPAC and Tourism, Events and Creative Tasmania. This will then lead into a joint formal consultation process on the proposed structures during August and September. We aim to finalise the structures, ready for implementation on the 3 December.

I recognise this is a big change for the State Service. We are working hard to provide as much clarity as possible about new organisational structures and workforce transition arrangements to support employees during this time.

As always, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services are available if you need support with the transition.

To everyone that is part of this transition, thank you for your patience. Your hard work and dedication remain highly valued. I wish you all the best in this new chapter.

Kind regards

Kathrine Morgan-Wicks PSM
Head of the State Service