In a series of media releases from late August 2025, a range of issues affecting Tasmania have been brought to the fore by political, industry, and community leaders.
Greens spokesperson Cassy O’Connor has focused on political integrity, releasing two separate statements—one criticising the donations flowing to major parties from vested interests like gambling and property, and another welcoming the Racing Integrity Commissioner’s swift action on the greyhound racing phase-out. This phase-out was also addressed by Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll, who outlined the process for the transition and the establishment of a working group.
Tasmanian politicians have also announced new initiatives and changes in leadership. Minister for Education Jo Palmer revealed the commencement of a universal free school breakfast program, while Labor Leader Josh Willie announced his new role overseeing the Education and Early Years and Economic Development portfolios. Additionally, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers member Carlo Di Falco called for government support for growers impacted by the new Mop Top virus threatening the state’s potato industry.
The business and environmental sectors have also been active. The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) released two statements, one highlighting a sharp slowdown in the state’s business growth and another welcoming federal government reforms to the EPBC Act. This reform was also supported by Clean Energy Tasmania, which urged the government to ensure the changes lead to faster approvals for renewable energy projects.
Finally, various community organisations have issued statements on their respective causes. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation celebrated a staffing win at a hospital while lodging new workload disputes, the Environmental Defenders Office announced the appointment of its new CEO, Jo Shulman.
Federal independent MHR Andrew Wilkie weighed in on a national issue, highlighting the need for stronger whistleblower protections in light of the outcome of a case involving an ATO whistleblower.
Media release – Cassy O’Connor MLC, Greens Democracy and Integrity Spokesperson, 27 August 2025
Electoral Disclosures Confirm Ongoing Vested Interests Influence on Major Parties
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission donations disclosure list confirms the Liberal and Labor parties continue to rake in money from vested interests.
Gambling interests and property developers, particularly, clearly see Liberal and Labor politicians as a good investment for favours.
In the month before polling day, the Federal Group yet again rewarded the old parties for their craven lack of commitment to harm minimisation from poker machines, with substantial donations to both the Liberals and Labor.
It’s notable that Labor received a bigger donation than the Liberals in the month of July, perhaps a reward for so comprehensively selling out on genuine harm minimisation under then Leader, Dean Winter.
Is it any wonder both parties have walked away from mandatory pre-commitment cards despite knowing they could save lives and livelihoods? They are putting their political self-interest over the wellbeing of Tasmanians, particularly those living in poverty who are being preyed upon by the pokies barons.
Labor should explain why, for example, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Tas) made a substantial donation during the month of July.
What policy position do they expect in return?
AirBNB is also rewarding both the Liberals and Labor for doing precisely nothing to rein in short stay accommodation, despite the fact it’s ripping homes for Tasmanians out of the rental market. They keep wringing their hands about the housing crisis, but if we follow the money we can see why it’s just words from both of them.
In contrast, it’s clear from the TEC disclosures that the Greens continue to rely on individual donors who feel passionately about protecting Tasmania’s environment, real action on climate and living in a just and fair society.
The good news in this TEC reportable donations’ disclosure form is that – as a result of the Greens’ successful amendment to electoral laws – for the first time all donations over $1000 must be reported. This gives Tasmanians a much clearer line of sight to who is giving how much to political parties and what they might expect in return.
Stay tuned, as we’re working within this new balance of power Parliament to deliver even stronger electoral laws that will continue to bolster the foundations of our democracy.
Media release – Jo Palmer, Minister for Education, 27 August 2025
Work begins to provide free breakfast in all Government schools
All children in Tasmanian Government schools will have access to a free breakfast through a partnership between the Tasmanian Government and Variety Tasmania.Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, announced the commencement of planning for the roll out of a $6.5 million universal School Breakfast Program during a visit to Riverside High School.
“Students learn better when they have a full tummy, and we know there is a clear link between nutrition and learning outcomes,” Palmer said.
“For a variety of reasons, many students arrive at school without eating breakfast including cost of living pressures, having to rush out the door, or having eaten very early due to long travel times.
“Hungry students are more likely to disengage from learning and teachers tell us this can equate to a loss of up to 2 hours a day in learning time.
“We want to ensure all student are starting each school day with a nutritious breakfast which is why this partnership with Variety Tasmania is so important.
“School breakfast programs lead to better attendance, stronger concentration and positive educational outcomes, and I’m really excited to support our students with the Variety model.”
The Variety model, which is currently operating in 40 Tasmanian Government schools, offers a simple ‘click and deliver’ platform to provide low-administration, high-impact for schools, reducing the workload on school staff and volunteers.
Schools already running a breakfast program with their local community can continue with that arrangement or choose to transition to the new Variety Breakfast Club.
When fully rolled out, the program will be available to every government school, which means breakfast for up to 50,000 students statewide.
Media release – Carlo Di Falco, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers, 26 August 2025
The recent outbreak of Mop Top Virus
Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Member Carlo Di Falco has called for urgent measures to support Tasmanian growers following the detection of Potato Mop Top Virus (PMTV), a soil borne disease that threatens the state’s potato industry.
“Tasmania’s farmers are the backbone of our economy and our communities,” said Di Falco
“The emergence of Potato Mop Top Virus is deeply concerning, not just for growers but for the many jobs and businesses that rely on this vital industry.”
“We need to support our local farmers, as this could have significant impact on their livelihoods.”
“The government should be considering assistance packages should they be required.”
Media release – Josh Willie MP, Labor Leader, 26 August 2025
Taking responsibility for Tasmania’s future
Today, I am proud to announce that I will be taking on the Education & Early Years portfolio, alongside the Economic Development portfolio, in Labor’s new Shadow Cabinet.
These two areas are deeply personal to me and fundamental to Labor’s vision for Tasmania’s future. Education and economic opportunity go hand in hand – investing in one strengthens the other.
It’s well known that Tasmania has the lowest workforce participation rate in the nation. We also have significant challenges when it comes to education outcomes and addressing both these issues should be a priority for any government.
My parents, both teachers, believed in hard work and fairness – values they lived every day. My father Mike was an education leader in his community, and I followed in their footsteps by becoming a teacher too.
The life experiences I gained working in schools, including as a teacher’s assistant supporting children with disabilities, and teaching in primary schools in challenging communities, have profoundly shaped who I am today.
During those years, I learned the core values of fairness, opportunity, and the transformative power of education.
A strong education system isn’t just vital to the wellbeing and success of our children, families, and communities – it’s one of the most powerful levers state governments can pull to drive long-term economic growth. Quality teaching and learning in schools, and accessible early education and care doesn’t just support kids, it boosts workforce participation and helps build a fairer, more productive society.
A strong economy depends on a strong education system, and investing in our children today builds a better Tasmania tomorrow.
I am committed to working with school communities and Tasmanian families to ensure every child in Tasmania receives the quality education they deserve, regardless of their background or postcode.
This portfolio is not just a job to me. It is who I am.
Media release – Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 27 August 2025
Tasmania’s business growth slows, key industries under pressure
The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the voice of business in Tasmania and is calling for a renewed focus on the state’s business climate following the release of ABS data showing slowing growth and mixed fortunes across key industries.
The ABS Counts of Australian Businesses report confirms Tasmania’s business community continues to expand, with total businesses reaching 44,244 in June 2025. This represents growth of 3,523 businesses since 2021. However, annual growth has slowed sharply from 4.2% in 2021–22 to just 0.5% in the past year.
At the same time, survival rates remain a concern. Of the businesses operating in June 2021, only 65.6% remain active today, placing Tasmania in the middle of the national pack.
TCCI CEO, Michael Bailey, said the data underscores both opportunities and risks for Tasmania’s economy.
“The slowdown in new business growth is a warning sign,” Bailey said.
“While overall numbers are higher than four years ago, fewer Tasmanians are taking the leap into business, and too many of those who do are failing to survive beyond the first few years.”
Mr Bailey said the results show why Tasmania must strengthen the conditions that support business resilience and growth.
“Agriculture is resilient because it is built on stable demand and long-term markets. Manufacturing and construction, by contrast, are showing high turnover, with lots of new businesses starting, but too many closing down.
“The TCCI is calling for all tiers of government to cut red tape, streamline approvals, and ensure Tasmanian businesses can access the workers and finance they need.
“With momentum slowing, we must take steps now to restore business confidence. That’s how we lift survival rates, attract new investment and build a stronger Tasmanian economy.”
Key figures
• Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing: While showing one of the strongest survival rates (74.9%), total business numbers have actually fallen slightly since 2021.
• Manufacturing: Has grown modestly (+5.7% since 2021), but faces challenges with only two in three firms surviving.
• Construction: Continues to add the largest number of new businesses, but survival is the weakest — only 61% of construction firms from 2021 are still operating.
TCCI welcomes Minister Watt’s EPBC reform agenda
The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes yesterday’s announcement from Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt that the Albanese Government will accelerate its review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act and introduce a new legislative package before the end of 2025.
TCCI Chief Executive Officer Michael Bailey said business and industry had long been calling for greater clarity in the approvals process, a streamlined pathway for projects, and stronger bilateral agreements between state and federal governments to ensure Tasmania’s major developments are not delayed by duplication and red tape.
“The Minister’s announcement is a welcome step toward the certainty our members have been asking for,” Bailey said.
Tasmania needs a modern approvals framework that delivers both strong environmental safeguards and timely decision-making. Without that balance, investment confidence is undermined and essential projects in areas from renewable energy to transport, manufacturing and even housing, risk being stalled.
“The TCCI had consistently highlighted the need for predictable, transparent and efficient processes under the EPBC Act, noting that delays of several years have placed major infrastructure projects at risk across the country.
“Tasmania cannot afford to see nationally significant projects like large-scale renewable developments held up by bureaucratic processes that serve no one. What we need is clarity of standards, consistent rules, and approvals that are made in a timeframe that supports our community.
“The TCCI is also calling for well-designed bilateral agreements that empower the Tasmanian Government to make decisions locally, while still upholding robust national standards.
“We want a model that allows Tasmania to assess and approve projects efficiently, but with full confidence that environmental outcomes are being safeguarded. The Federal Government seems to be taking that feedback on-board, but the proof of the pudding is always in the eating.
“The TCCI will continue to engage constructively with the federal government wants draft legislation be released well before it is considered by Parliament.
“Business needs clarity and certainty to invest, and the sooner these reforms are in place the stronger Tasmania’s position will be to capture the benefits of new projects, new jobs and new opportunities.”
Media release – Clean Energy Tasmania, 27 August 2025
Reform must deliver faster approvals for renewable energy
Clean Energy Tasmania (CET) has urged the Federal Government to ensure that its promised reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act deliver real change for renewable energy investment.
CET Chair Ian Jones said that while Tasmania is uniquely placed to lead Australia in clean energy development, outdated and inconsistent approvals processes have slowed progress and placed major projects at risk.
“For almost a decade, one of Tasmania’s largest proposed renewable energy projects has been caught in a cycle of review, assessment and delay under the current EPBC framework,” Jones said.
“An entire generation of jobs, investment and emissions reductions has been left in limbo. That experience shows why reform is not just desirable, but essential.
“Tasmania’s renewable sector stands ready to invest billions of dollars in new generation but confidence is undermined when approvals drag on for years without resolution.
“Clean energy developers are not asking for weaker environmental standards, in fact quite the opposite. What we need are standards that are clear, consistent and applied within predictable timeframes. That balance is the only way to protect both the environment and our ability to decarbonise.
“CET believes the key test of reform will be whether nationally significant renewable projects can move through approvals in a matter of months, not years, while still meeting strong environmental safeguards.
“Every year of delay in building renewable generation is another year of higher emissions, higher power prices, and missed economic opportunity for Tasmania and Australia.
“Minister Watt’s announcement is encouraging, but our sector will be looking closely at whether the new legislation delivers the certainty we need to unlock Tasmania’s clean energy future.”
Media release – Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch, 27 August 2025
WIN FOR NWRH THEATRES IN TIC WITH LITANY OF WORKLOAD GRIEVANCES TO COME FROM ANMF MEMBERS
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch today welcomed the win for North West Regional Hospital Theatre members with the Tasmanian Health Service finally agreeing to staff the North-West Regional Theatres to the benchmarked 40.13 FTE which is an uplift of 7.35 FTE.
ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd said the increase is what is required to staff theatres safely and prevent unreasonable overtime and member burn out.
“The Tasmanian Health Service has also agreed to immediately staff to this increased FTE and have already commenced a recruitment process to be completed by November 2025 to fill these positions on 12-month fixed term contracts,” Shepherd said.
“While this is welcome news by members, it is disappointing that the ANMF had to seek the matter to be listed for arbitration in order to seek these commitments.
“However, the ANMF, in good faith, has suspended the application in the Tasmanian Commission provided the Tasmanian Health Service continue to staff to the increased staffing complement and recruit to these positions.”
Shepherd said the good news on the North-West Coast came as the ANMF lodged another workload dispute with the Tasmanian Industrial Commission on behalf of members at the Royal Hobart Hospital K9West surgical ward.
“Members have sought to lodge this matter after the 5.48 FTE Assistant in Nursing positions endorsed at benchmarking in 2024, which have still not been implemented or recruited to.
“This has resulted in unsustainable nursing workloads, which leave members feeling morally and ethically compromised, unable to consistently provide the quality care that wish to for their patients.
“Despite the Tasmanian Health Service agreeing with the required minimum safe staffing levels in 2024 to meet service delivery demand, K9West members are still awaiting the additional 5.48FTE AIN’s to ensure that they can deliver safe and quality care.
“Not filling these positions shows a blatant disregard to ensuring a safe working environment and in turn quality patient care.”
Shepherd said K9West members have reported that the absence of these additional positions has meant that they are not able to meet patients care needs, even basic ones like supporting patient nutrition.
“This has resulted in some patients not being able to achieve their daily nutritional needs.
Shepherd said the K9West workload dispute is one of a litany of workload disputes the ANMF intend to raise with the Tasmanian Industrial Commission.
“The issues of the failure to recruit to and meet benchmarked staffing minimums are widespread.
“Members continue to face unrealistic workloads and are burning out.
“The ANMF will continue to raise these disputes until all benchmarking is advertised and filled to mitigate member workloads and ensure quality patient care.”
Media Release – The Board of the Environmental Defenders Office, 25 August 2025
Appointment of Jo Shulman as CEO of the Environmental Defenders Office
The Board of the Environmental Defenders Office has announced the appointment of Ms Jo Shulman as the organisation’s new CEO.
EDO Chair Brent Wallace said Shulman was appointed after an exhaustive local and international recruitment process. She starts in the role on September 1.
“Shulman is a leader with more than 25 years’ experience at the cutting edge of social justice and policy reform,” Wallace said.
“Her career spans legal practice, public policy, academia and executive leadership, including terms as chief executive of the Moriarty Foundation, Redfern Legal Centre and the Australian Centre for Disability Law.
“Shulman has led across multiple causes and communities, including First Nations justice, digital inclusion, health equity, gender equality, discrimination, housing and homelessness, domestic violence, disability, and migrant communities.
“She brings to the role expertise in strategy, governance, outcomes measurement, funding diversification and partnerships and cross-sector collaboration.”
Shulman said: “The people and communities that EDO serves face immense challenges as they struggle to keep the climate safe and to protect the places, the Country and cultures they love.
“EDO’s mission to provide access to justice and to empower communities to drive the change needed to enable nature to thrive has never been more important than it is today.
“I am excited and honoured to be given this opportunity to lead the Australia-Pacific region’s foremost environmental community legal centre.”
Media release – Sean Carroll, Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner, 25 August 2025
Greyhound racing transition – 2029
On 10 August 2025, Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced that the Tasmanian Government will phase out greyhound racing by 30 June 2029.
Following this announcement, the Premier and Minister for Racing, Jane Howlett, have written to the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner requesting that work commence as soon as possible to develop a comprehensive plan to deliver all operational, animal welfare and integrity components of this transition. To ensure a smooth transition and to assist in the process, a Greyhound Racing Transition Working Group of suitably qualified industry representatives, animal welfare experts and members of the Tasmanian community will be engaged by the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner.
“I acknowledge that these reforms will have a significant impact on the greyhound industry, their families and their communities. We will work with all stakeholders to ensure appropriate support is provided as part of this transition,” Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll said.
The Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner acknowledges that many greyhound racing participants and the broader community will have questions or concerns regarding the phase out program.
“I respectfully ask that members of the community who want to share their views and opinions, regardless of perspective, do so in a constructive and respectful manner,” Carroll said.
Any person with a particular concern or query are encouraged to submit their questions to the dedicated web page on the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner’s website: https://racingintegrity.tas.gov.au/greyhound-racing-transition/queries.
Tasracing also provides support via an employee assistance program for participants of the greyhound racing industry. Further information is available on the Tasracing website: https://tasracing.com.au/about-us/industry/employee-assistance-program.
On Saturday 23 August 2025, an open letter from the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner was published in Tasmanian newspapers. Regrettably, this open letter incorrectly stated that the announcement by the Tasmanian Government to phase out greyhound racing was made on the 10 July 2025.
This announcement was made on the 10 August 2025. We apologise for the error and any confusion caused.
Media release – Cassy O’Connor MLC, Greens Animal Rights Spokesperson, 23 August 2025
Racing Integrity Commissioner on Case for Greyhound Racing Phase Out
Tasmania’s Racing Integrity Commissioner has put full page ads in all three Tasmanian newspapers, speaking directly to the community and industry participants about the next steps towards an end to greyhound racing by June 2029.
Mr Sean Carroll has wasted no time since the Premier announced the phase out during negotiations to form a workable government.
The industry is on notice, and while we’ve seen a concerted push back – driven largely by interstate greyhound racing interests – nothing will stop the inevitable end of greyhound racing in Tasmania.
Carroll is clear; he’s committed to looking out for people who train, breed and race dogs in Tasmania during this transition, and to the welfare of the hundreds of greyhounds caught up in this cruel industry.
A Greyhound Transition Working Group will be established in the coming weeks. Rightly, it’ll include experts in animal welfare and members of the community as well as industry participants and TasRacing. There will also be public meetings around the state.
The Greens welcome the Commissioner’s commitment to a change process that is ‘consultative, fair, and guided by integrity and transparency’.
We know from questions we’ve asked in Parliament that TasRacing has been pushing to get the Racing Deed re-signed by government, four years ahead of its expiry in 2029. We trust the Premier and his Racing Minister will be open and transparent about the timing of this, as Tasmanians who care deeply about animal welfare will be watching closely.
Between now and then, legislative change will be required, greyhound breeding for racing and imports from interstate will need to stop, and rehoming organisations like the RSPCA, the Dogs Home of Tasmania and Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) will require extra funding to make sure ex-industry dogs find loving homes.
There’s a long way to go on this reform. We’re pleased to see the Racing Integrity Commissioner is on the case already.
Media statement – Andrew Wilkie, Independent Member for Clark, 28 August 2025
STATEMENT ON SENTENCING OF ATO WHISTLEBLOWER
“I was heartened to hear that no conviction has been recorded against Tax Office whistleblower Richard Boyle, the only sanction being a 12-month good behaviour bond.
Boyle is of course the former ATO officer who blew the lid on egregious misconduct within the Tax Office, allegations that were subsequently found to be true.
“Many Australians were appalled that any action was taken against this brave whistleblower. Indeed, there certainly should never have been a drawn-out and expensive court case.
“The sad reality is, though, that despite promises from the Australian Government to make legislative changes, our whistleblower protections remain deeply inadequate and leave individuals with unsatisfactory protections or pathways to lawfully disclose malfeasance or misconduct in the public interest. This often takes an immense personal, legal and financial toll on whistleblowers, their friends and families.
“Whistleblowing will not be safe in Australia until there is an independent Whistleblower Protection Authority to advise and support people who are witness to misconduct and need to speak up. We also need effective media freedom laws to ensure that the media can bring such allegations to the public’s attention. And, of course, we still need reform of the Public Interest Disclosure Act for the public sector, and reform of the relevant section of the Corporations Act for the private sector. Although some of these sorts of measures have been long promised by successive governments and oppositions, precious little has so far been done.”
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