Tasmanian Election 2025 – Special Edition

From the TasICT CEO Russell Kelly

Tasmania’s major parties have promised tech-positive policies at this election – a terrific turnaround from the last election where tech was not mentioned at all.

This time, the Tasmanian Liberals, ALP and the Tasmanian Greens have put tech and innovation as important parts of their policy platform – a testament to the voice of our industry.

Tasmanian Liberals

Despite briefly dropping a science minister in 2024, the Liberal Party listened to the sector and re-instated a Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy in Madeleine Ogilvie – and the Liberals’ strong support for ICT has continued.

The party’s election platform includes support for the advanced manufacturing sector, a green light for Marinus Link data cables and development of data centres – all key policies advocated by TasICT.

The Liberals’ Biodiversity Offset Fund policy establishes a grant program for research and development, science and technology for environmental challenges.

The party also recognises that its buy local policy is crucial to the success of home-grown ICT businesses.

You can read the Tasmanian Liberal’s statement below.

Australian Labor Party

The ALP has also shown strong support for the tech sector.

ALP Leader Dean Winter is a former CEO of TasICT and knows intimately the challenges and successes of our sector.

Shadow Science Minister Janie Finlay has regularly asked TasICT for input on policies and has embraced many of TasICT’s priorities.

Ms Finlay announced this week that an incoming Labor Government “…will be committed to working alongside TasICT to support our new government to embrace a greater use of responsible Artificial Intelligence to reduce red tape, make faster decisions and build cheaper and more efficient government services. We are determined to deliver a fresh start for Tasmania with new whole-of-government programs to upskills public servants in the use of responsible AI, while establishing innovation programs to massively develop a tech business ecosystem in Tasmania.”

You can read Labor’s statement below.

Tasmanian Greens

The Green’s spokesperson Tabatha Badger said key tech policies included bridging the digital divide and strong support for creating jobs in the tech sector, notably by supporting the installation of new technology such as solar and batteries, fibre cables and satellite technology. The party says this will enable more regional Tasmanians to access opportunities for tech startups, the ability to work from home and advance small businesses.

You can read the Tasmanian Greens’ statement below.

From Listening to Action

Whichever party or elected members form the next Tasmanian Government, it’s important that making Tasmania a smart state is a top priority.

Too much time is wasted through early elections – and it is incumbent on whichever candidates are successful to respect the vote and make the Parliament work for Tasmanians.

TasICT members are ready, willing and able to help Government with budget repair through greater use of technology, Artificial Intelligence and wise investment in the technology needed to power the digital economy.

Tasmanian Liberals Economic Statement:

Australian Labor Party Statement:

Tasmanian Greens’ Statement: