Secretary of the Tasmanian Department of State Growth, Craig Limkin, will begin a period of leave from today, with Shane Gregory to act in the role as the agency transitions to a new department called Building Tasmania.
Premier, Jeremy Rockliff said a project team will also be established to lead and implement the whole of government changes announced this week.
“I acknowledge the contribution of all Department of State Growth employees and of Craig Limkin as Secretary of the Department,” the Premier said in a statement.
“The Department of State Growth was established in 2014 and it has served us well. However over 10 years have passed and our economy and our community needs are changing. We need to consider how we set ourselves up for success for the future.”
Minister Kerry Vincent will be the responsible Minister for Building Tasmania and will ensure an integrated and ongoing infrastructure delivery focus for Tasmania, the Premier said.
“Building Tasmania will deliver the roads, housing and infrastructure our state needs to be fit for the future. This will also include the transition of Homes Tasmania into Building Tasmania.”
Functions within the Department of State Growth will be realigned with the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, including a new Economic Development entity to drive growth agenda.
“The Department of State Growth has delivered a decade of growth under our stewardship,” Minister Vincent said.
“It has revolutionised the state, and we should acknowledge this fantastic work.
“As we enter a new era of opportunity, now is the time to evolve and to keep this progress going, sharpening our focus on delivery.
A new entity covering Tourism, Events and Creative Tasmania, including Brand Tasmania, will also be established.
“Over the coming months, we will work through the remaining functions and services in the Department of State Growth to consider their alignment with other agencies. By aligning services that share a similar purpose, we are using the skills and knowledge of our state service to drive outcomes, enhance delivery for our community and maximise economies of scale – this contributes to right sizing the state service.”
“The reshaping of the state service will assist in reducing duplication, removing inefficiencies and provide a refocus on key priorities. As such, implementing the Department of State Growth machinery of government change will include a reduction target of 250 FTEs,” said Mr Rockliff.
