Above: TMAG workers and supporters protest against looming cuts.
21 September 2026
The CPSU has condemned the latest Machinery of Government announcements affecting Building Tasmania, Creative Industries, Sport and Visitor Economy, the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPAC), and associated corporate services areas, warning that workers are facing what amounts to forced redundancies despite repeated public assurances from the Premier that there would be none.
At an online presentation to staff today, the Head of the State Service and the Acting Secretary of Building Tasmania outlined plans for further job cuts across the affected agencies.
Based on information provided to staff, the CPSU understands the proposed positions to be abolished include:
- Building Tasmania: 32 positions
- Creative Industries, Sport and Visitor Economy: 23 positions
- DPAC: 5 positions
- Staff transferring from Building Tasmania to DPAC: 27 positions
- Corporate Services: 23 positions.
The union calculates this represents 110 positions proposed for abolition through a process where positions are identified by the employer rather than through voluntary arrangements.
Workers were also advised that detailed written information about proposed structures, establishment numbers and staffing impacts will not be provided until 23 September, despite previous commitments. The CPSU says this is the third delay and has left workers uncertain about the future of their jobs.
CPSU calls on Premier to clarify commitment
CPSU Tasmania General Secretary Thirza White said today’s announcement raised serious questions about the Premier’s repeated commitments that there would be no forced redundancies.
“The Premier has repeatedly promised Tasmanians there would be no forced redundancies. Yet today workers across Building Tasmania and Premier and Cabinet were advised that over 100 positions will be identified for abolishment through a process that is neither voluntary nor negotiated.”
“The Premier needs to clarify what his commitment means. Is he guaranteeing that every worker who wants to remain in employment will have work?”
White said the impact extended well beyond the workers directly affected.
“These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. Behind every job cut is a Tasmanian supporting a family.”
“When you remove more than 100 positions from agencies responsible for infrastructure delivery, cultural institutions, tourism, major events and corporate support functions, there will be consequences. Projects take longer, services slow down and opportunities for Tasmania can be lost.”
She said the public deserved greater transparency around the impact of the cuts.
“Tasmanians deserve to know not only which jobs are being cut, but which services, projects and support will be axed or are being defunded as a result. The government has not been upfront about those impacts.”
Workers left in limbo
The CPSU also criticised the continued delays in providing staff with detailed information about the proposed changes.
“Workers whose livelihoods are on the line deserve honesty. Delaying again the release of key documentation is causing unnecessary stress and uncertainty for impacted workers.”
“No matter how difficult the news, workers deserved certainty today. Instead, they have been left in limbo yet again.”
“The way this process is being rolled out is cruel, devoid of humanity and causing unnecessary harm.”
“If these job losses were in the private sector the Premier would be out in his hi-vis supporting workers. Instead, Building Tasmania and Premier and Cabinet workers are facing an anxious few days waiting to understand if it is their job that will be cut.”