Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable member for his question. The government recognises the importance of a strong and responsive Public Service. Ultimately the role of the Public Service is to deliver services for the public as efficiently as possible. That's why we're constantly looking for ways to improve the quality of services delivered by the Public Service, including through our commitment to digital transformation. In relation to the Department of Human Services's Hobart ICT staff, I'm advised that these employees are currently responsible for supporting the work of the National Disability Insurance Agency, including help desk work. As to the member's assertion that staff would be redeployed elsewhere after their current assignments, I can assure the member for Denison that the minister's department, the Department of Human Services, will continue to offer these employees a position within that department, including opportunities for being positioned in Hobart, ensuring that people can stay in their home town.

I'd also add that the staffing profile of the Department of Human Services in Tasmania is substantial, at 1,904 employees across the state, according to its last annual report. And the government, as the honourable member I'm sure agrees, is absolutely committed to ensuring that all Tasmanians get the services they need. I just note to the honourable member, before I conclude, that last year 7,700 new jobs were created in Tasmania. Tasmania is seeing strong economic growth—

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