The Tasmanian Government has announced an immediate hiring freeze on all non-essential state service positions.
It comes as part of broader measures to address rising debt and restructure state finances ahead of the May budget.
Treasurer Guy Barnett said the decision aligns with the government’s fiscal strategy and aims to ensure the public service operates “as effectively and efficiently as possible”.
“The government must consider every taxpayer dollar it spends. That’s what Tasmanians expect,” he said.
“We will be working with the state service to increase productivity and better focus the capacity and capabilities of the workforce, including through digital innovation.”
Barnett noted that the state service workforce has experienced significant growth in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The current state service has approximately 36,000 employees across full-time, part-time, casual and contract positions.
“The rate of growth has been greater than the rate of growth in the Tasmanian population,” he said.
“The hiring freeze will assist in ensuring Tasmania has the right-sized state service and delivers on the priorities of Tasmanians.”
Despite the freeze, recruitment will continue for essential frontline positions including doctors, nurses, paramedics, teachers and police officers.
Labor’s Shadow Treasurer Josh Willie said the policy represents an admission that the Liberal’s “have broken Tasmania’s budget”.
“Make no mistake, a blanket freeze will create inefficiencies and impact on government service delivery, with Tasmanians set to pay a heavy price for a decade of Liberal financial mismanagement,” he said.
“With Parliament returning this week, Labor looks forward to getting answers for Tasmanians about which jobs will be on the chopping block and how this decision will impact their lives.”
