1. Expand and grow economic activity in Tasmania

Increased economic activity and wealth creation raises the standard of living and attracts skilled, working age people to the state. Tasmania still has some of the highest unemployment rates in the country with low participation rates and a high level of part time employment that may mask higher unemployment levels. Education and skill capabilities vary considerably and are not always matched to job opportunities. Urban and regional Tasmania vary greatly in age profile, education attainment and employment levels.

Tasmania has been impacted by factors including: freight costs and access to market; limitations and high cost of public transport; State Government restructure and reduced public spending; changes in industry competitiveness; low participation rate and lack of employability skills of jobseekers; net out migration; a rapidly ageing population and population stagnation.

Economic opportunities exist in Tasmania by building on the strength and reputation of research and innovation, leveraging on opportunities created by irrigation infrastructure, and wealth generating industries such as the recent significant growth in tourism.

Greater integration between economic development strategies and practitioners at all levels would help to support wealth creation activities.

Key focus to implement this priority:

7.1.1 Giving priority to initiatives that support wealth creation and the region’s growth industries

7.1.2 Investment in enabling infrastructure that improves economic productivity.

7.1.3 Improvement of Tasmania’s transport logistics and freight services.

7.1.4 Improvement of transport to facilitate labour mobility.

7.1.5 Grow knowledge and networks through collaboration, innovation, and research and development within Tasmania.

2. Increase collaboration and efficiencies between federal, state and local government; and between government and the private sector

Tasmania is a small, well connected region with the capacity for strong collaboration across government, industry and community. RDA Tasmania is in the unique position of being a neutral organisation with relationships at every level of government as well as community and industry. We are able to utilise these relationships to facilitate dialogue and engagement with stakeholders, and help to identify gaps and duplication in existing services and policy.

Key focus to implement this priority:

7.2.1 Facilitate regular dialogue and engagement with the Australian Government including the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Department of Employment to identify opportunities for collaboration, identify inefficiencies and develop regional projects.

7.2.2 Engage with the Tasmanian Government including the Department of State Growth, Office of the Coordinator-General, Infrastructure Tasmania and other stakeholders to support the creation of a more strategic focus on policy and projects that leverage economic growth.

7.2.3 Support the role of regional council bodies in encouraging collaboration and identifying regional priorities.

7.2.4 Promote Australian and State Government programmes that meet local economic development priorities and maximise strategic government investment in the region.

7.2.5 Engage with Ministerial offices and local State and Federal representatives to provide advice and knowledge on local and regional economic development.

7.2.6 Engage with peak bodies and key industries in the private sector to ensure that local economic development priorities and government investment in the region aligns with industry planning.

3. Improve educational attainment and employability skills

Low education outcomes impede Tasmania’s young people and working age population from participating in regular employment and improving their economic circumstances. Educational attainment is positively linked to higher levels of employment, increased labour force participation, higher wages and higher levels of productivity. There is also growing evidence that education has a positive causal effect on such social outcomes as better health, greater civic engagement and reduced crime.

Key focus to implement this priority:

7.3.1 Raise educational attainment levels of Tasmanian school leavers.

7.3.2 Produce a skilled workforce for the future.

4. Address the needs of Tasmania’s changing demographic profile

Tasmania faces the challenges of a rapidly ageing and low growth population. Older residents tend to participate in local events and volunteer activities, bringing knowledge and experience to their communities. However, an ageing population with increasing life expectancy will create demand for services including health and aged care. National trends of population movement towards urban centres and population decline in rural areas are also apparent in Tasmania.

Tasmania continues to perform worse in most health measures when compared to other states, however when compared to regional Australia rather than metropolitan areas, Tasmania aligns with the national average.

Key focus to implement this priority:

4.1 Plan for Tasmania’s future population needs