Hobart, 25 November 2025 — The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) last night reported a solid budget result and confirmed key Board leadership appointments at its Annual General Meeting.
Board outcomes
Quotes — Becher Townshend, Chair
“I ran for the TCCI Board because I’m a fierce advocate for Tasmanian business. I’ve owned my own business for the last quarter-century and watched it grow to employ many Tasmanians.”
“Tasmanian business needs a strong voice. Under my leadership, the TCCI will be fiercely pro-business — if it’s good for business, we’ll back it.”
“I’ve worked with many great Tasmanian companies, and I’m tired of seeing them overlooked for interstate firms, particularly by the bureaucracy and GBEs.”
“Only this week, TT-Line engaged an interstate law firm to respond to matters raised by the Auditor-General. Why? Are there no Tasmanian lawyers capable of doing this work? Public entities should maximise opportunities for local providers wherever practicable.”
“If the stadium is going to be built — and it appears it will be — we want to maximise the opportunity for Tasmanian businesses to deliver it. This work should go to Tasmanian firms.”
“The Premier has promised the stadium with no new or increased taxes. We will hold him to that, particularly if the Government is determined to proceed.”
“Economists and commentators tell us Tasmania’s budget trajectory is unsustainable. This is a spending problem, not an income problem. The TCCI will hold Government and the bureaucracy to account.”
“Despite a stated plan to reduce the public service by 2,300 roles, headcount has risen year after year, and departmental budgets have blown out by tens and hundreds of millions of dollars. If Government says we can have it all, we will hold them to it.”
About TCCI
The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the independent voice of business in Tasmania, advocating for conditions that enable enterprises to invest, hire and grow. TCCI’s Vision 2028 sets long-term goals across Energy, Budget, Economy, Education & Skills, Consultation and Government Business Enterprises/State-Owned Companies.
Media Contact:
Michael Bailey OAM – Chief Executive Officer
Board outcomes
- Becher Townshend elected Chair
- Dr Daniel Hanna elected Deputy Chair
- Wayne Davy appointed Chair, Finance & Audit Committee
- Leigh Stalker and Ian Jones returned as Directors
Quotes — Becher Townshend, Chair
“I ran for the TCCI Board because I’m a fierce advocate for Tasmanian business. I’ve owned my own business for the last quarter-century and watched it grow to employ many Tasmanians.”
“Tasmanian business needs a strong voice. Under my leadership, the TCCI will be fiercely pro-business — if it’s good for business, we’ll back it.”
“I’ve worked with many great Tasmanian companies, and I’m tired of seeing them overlooked for interstate firms, particularly by the bureaucracy and GBEs.”
“Only this week, TT-Line engaged an interstate law firm to respond to matters raised by the Auditor-General. Why? Are there no Tasmanian lawyers capable of doing this work? Public entities should maximise opportunities for local providers wherever practicable.”
“If the stadium is going to be built — and it appears it will be — we want to maximise the opportunity for Tasmanian businesses to deliver it. This work should go to Tasmanian firms.”
“The Premier has promised the stadium with no new or increased taxes. We will hold him to that, particularly if the Government is determined to proceed.”
“Economists and commentators tell us Tasmania’s budget trajectory is unsustainable. This is a spending problem, not an income problem. The TCCI will hold Government and the bureaucracy to account.”
“Despite a stated plan to reduce the public service by 2,300 roles, headcount has risen year after year, and departmental budgets have blown out by tens and hundreds of millions of dollars. If Government says we can have it all, we will hold them to it.”
About TCCI
The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the independent voice of business in Tasmania, advocating for conditions that enable enterprises to invest, hire and grow. TCCI’s Vision 2028 sets long-term goals across Energy, Budget, Economy, Education & Skills, Consultation and Government Business Enterprises/State-Owned Companies.
Media Contact:
Michael Bailey OAM – Chief Executive Officer