Premier Rockliff and the Liberal Government have launched an extraordinary attack on working people, and the public services Tasmanians rely on.
The 2026 State Budget plans to gut the public sector with a staggering $1.5 billion in cuts, threatening up to 1,800 jobs. Tasmanians know it’s already hard to access the essential services we need. Cuts like this will cause real harm to our community.
At the same time, they are planning to target injured workers by cutting workers compensation entitlements for psychological injury and planning to abolish the Tasmanian Industrial Commission.
These are not separate issues. These attacks serve a broad agenda of cutting services, weakening worker’s rights, and shifting costs onto workers and the broader community to make up for the Liberals fiscal mismanagement.
Together we can stop the cuts
Last year, Unions Tasmania and our member unions campaigned against the privatisation of Tasmania’s publicly owned assets and businesses. Thousands of Tasmanians like you took action to stop the sell offs and protect public services.
Together we forced the Government to abandon their proposal and in late 2025, new legislation was passed to better protect government businesses from being sold without overwhelming parliamentary support.
When we act together, we can win.
At a time when Tasmanians are grappling with a cost-of-living crisis, the Liberal Government is choosing blunt ideological tools of cuts rather than smart and responsible solutions that will lift our living standards.
It’s time to stand together again and stop the cuts.
We all benefit when our public service is independent, well-resourced and supported to deliver the services Tasmanians rely on.
Strong public services
Tasmanians deserve well-funded, high-quality public services - from healthcare and education to the full gamut services that keep our communities safe, connected, and supported.
Fair support for injured workers
If you’ve suffered an injury because of your job, you should have access to workers compensation that supports you to recover and return to work. This support must continue to cover both physical and psychological injuries.
Workers who have suffered a workplace injury or illness deserve support, not cuts that shift costs onto them and their families.
An independent workplace tribunal
Tasmania needs a specialist industrial tribunal that can resolve disputes fairly and efficiently.
These exist in every state and territory across the country and are critical to making sure disputes at work are resolved quickly and fairly.
Secure public sector jobs
Secure, well-paid jobs in the Tasmanian State Service that attract and retain skilled workers to serve the Tasmanian people.
Behind every budget cut is a very real impact. It could mean longer waits for surgery, longer for an ambulance to turn up in an emergency, and less resources for kids in our public schools.
If you work in the Tasmanian State Service, it could also mean the loss of your livelihood and income.
We want to hear from workers and community members about how these cuts are affecting your workplace, your family, or your community.
Struggled to access healthcare, education or other essential public services?
Experienced unsafe working conditions that contributed to psychological injury or poor mental health?
Relied on workers compensation system after suffering a psychological injury at work?
Work in the public service and have seen your job, or those of your teammates impacted by cuts, understaffing or inadequate resourcing?
Accessed workplace justice through the Tasmanian Industrial Commission?
Your story has power. It can help protect the services and rights that Tasmanians rely on every day.
Share your experience with us and help hold the Government accountable.
Together, we can stand up for safe workplaces, strong public services, and fair treatment for all workers.
