All associate secretaries in the state service would lose their jobs under a Tasmanian Labor cost-cutting plan, which the party says would save around $8 million.
Eight associate secretary roles exist in the Tasmanian Government, including positions in the Departments of Education, Natural Resources and Environment and Premier and Cabinet.
Shadow Treasurer Josh Willie bluntly stated that the roles created in 2022 have shown “no measurable improvements” in departmental outcomes.
“As the alternative government, we’re outlining a program that hasn’t worked. We’re outlining our position in terms of restructuring that,” he said.
“It will create savings of around $8 million across the forward estimates.”
“This is just one of a number of announcements we will make this year which will demonstrate Labor’s fiscal restraint, our intent to crackdown on wasteful spending and have restraint when it comes to new spending.”
The move would return departments to the previous structure, where deputy secretaries were the second-in-command.
Minister Jane Howlett said government roles are currently under review.
“Each secretary of each department is responsible for that and we’re getting on with the job and reviewing departments,” she said.
“Once the review is finalised then we’ll have more to say.”
