New Department is a strong first step - but business must help design it

The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) has welcomed the Premier’s announcement today that the Government will disband the Department of State Growth and establish Building Tasmania.

 TCCI Chief Executive Michael Bailey OAM said the change was a positive first step and reflected longstanding concerns raised by the TCCI. 

“For years, we’ve said that the Department of State Growth has become a behemoth delivering confusion instead of clarity,” Mr Bailey said. 

“Today’s decision shows the Government has listened. It’s time State Growth was wound up and replaced with a department that is sharply focused on business outcomes.” 

Mr Bailey said the success of the new department would depend on how it is structured and governed. 

“This can’t be a name change with the same problems underneath,” Mr Bailey said. 

“The new Department of Business must have clear lines of accountability to one Minister, with a straightforward mandate and measurable outcomes for the private sector.” 

However, Mr Bailey said it was disappointing there was no meaningful consultation with business and industry before today’s announcement. 

“Consultation isn’t optional — it’s essential to good policy and good administration,” Mr Bailey said. 

“If the Government wants this restructure to work, business and industry must be in the room from day one.” 

Mr Bailey called on the Government to ensure the design of the new department is done with business, not to business. 

“The last thing Tasmania needs is bureaucrats designing a business focussed department in isolation,” Mr Bailey said. 

“This must be built with the customer at the centre — employers, investors, and job creators — and that requires genuine co-design with industry.” 

 

Media Contact 
Michael Bailey OAM – Chief Executive Officer, TCCI 
0437 322 338