Overhaul for state service

THE operation of the Tasmanian State Service will be subject to a wide-ranging review.

Draft terms of reference, with nine key areas that will be the focus of the review, were released yesterday for public comment. The Government says it will ensure the service is being run as effectively as possible. Premier Will Hodgman said the State Service Act was almost two decades old and it was “high time” for a review.

A WIDE-RANGING review into the operation of the Tasmanian state service will ensure it is being run as effectively as possible, the Government says.

Draft terms of reference, featuring nine key areas that will be the focus of the review, were released yesterday for public comment. They include:

IDENTIFYING opportunities to create efficiencies within the service. EXAMINING the feasibility of decentralisation of government services.

FACILITATING areas of cultural change within the service, including promoting riskbased decision-making and improving accountability.

IMPLEMENTING improved workforce management processes, including better recognising employee performance.

EXPLORING strategies to attract and retain a skilled public sector workforce to meet upcoming economic, social and technological challenges.

The review will be conducted by Ian Watt, who has almost 20 years’ experience at the highest levels of public service.

Dr Watt held roles as secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and head of the Australian Public Service, a position he held from 2011 to 2014.

Premier Will Hodgman said the State Service Act 2000 was developed in the late 1990s.

“At nearly two decades old, it is high time we undertake this review to ensure the service is best placed to serve Tasmanians today and into the future,’’ he said.

“The review will identify structural, operational, service, practice and legislative improvements to ensure the public service is in the best shape to deliver the services Tasmania needs.”

The review will not include wages policy and conditions for public sector employees that are negotiated through awards and agreements.

Feedback on the draft terms of reference, which can be found at dpac.tas.gov.au, closes on November 29.

The review is expected to be completed by the end of next year. Jenny Gale: Why our state service needs an overhaul, Pages 32-33