GBE reform backed

TASMANIA’S peak farming body has welcomed reform plans for Government Business Enterprises. 

TasFarmers president Ian Sauer said the rural sector was uniquely impacted by government organisations. 

“Nearly all government businesses and state-owned companies intersect with agriculture and influence primary producers, so it’s been clear to us that reform is necessary, and we’ve been advocating for it for some time,” Mr Sauer said. 

Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced sweeping reforms to the state’s three major transportation GBEs, TasPorts, TT-Line and TasRail. 

Mr Sauer said GBE reform was part of his organisation’s election package earlier this year. He said the key concern was the organisations’ charters and operational practices currently focused solely on generating financial returns for the state. 

He said government organisations should have a broader focus on benefiting all Tasmanians, growing trade and business opportunities, and enhancing social outcomes. 

TasFarmers strongly supports the proposed changes, which will require each organisation to meet multiple key performance indicators and boost oversight and contemporary governance. 

The proposal follows a long delay to building a suitable berth in Devonport, which has pushed back delivery of the new Spirit of Tasmania ferries. 

Mr Rockliff said the Government would consider merging TasPorts, TT-Line and TasRail into a government-owned entity as part of sweeping changes to address shortcomings in GBEs and state-owned companies. 

He acknowledged concerns around the performance, accountability and coordination of some government businesses. 

Mr Rockliff said uniting the three businesses would ensure a more integrated, cost-effective, and responsive system for the people of Tasmania.