After a chaotic year, sadly the Tasmanian Government’s Interim Budget just released doesn’t do enough to unlock the productivity gains from tech and innovation.
The good news is that on Budget eve, the State Government responded to TasICT’s advocacy by announcing an “AI Island” initiative, promising to explore how Tasmanian businesses can benefit from artificial intelligence. That will take at least a year to produce action.
Several major technology initiatives in the public service remain funded – over $116m this financial year.
However, there’s an unclear direction for growth in our digital sector. The budget still has no coherent plan for the issues that matter to TasICT members – industry development, workforce development and better connectivity.
TasICT must continue pushing the government to act.
For example, not adopting AI across Government is costing Tasmania dearly in lost opportunity. Just this week the Federal Government announced AI would be available to all Federal public servants. Why not Tasmania?
The Government can save money through innovation and tech.
The newly formed Efficiency and Productivity Unit aims to save $150 million annually. There’s also an ongoing red-tape reduction program.
This presents an opportunity for TasICT members to help.
Send us your 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲-𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 through tech – we will collate and present to the Government with a call to action.
Send by 30 November 2025 via our feedback form on our website www.tasict.com.au
𝘛𝘢𝘴𝘐𝘊𝘛 𝘊𝘌𝘖 – 𝘙𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘒𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘺