Tasmania's Jobs and Growth Plan delivers 8,200 new private sector positions in two years

Tasmania's Jobs and Growth Plan has delivered 8,200 new private sector positions in its first two years of operation, exceeding the midpoint target set in the strategy by 12 per cent, with technology, renewable energy, and agri-food processing emerging as the standout growth sectors.

The Department of Premier and Cabinet's two-year review found the strongest employment growth in clean hydrogen and renewable energy, where 1,400 positions had been created across project development, construction, and operations as Tasmania's abundant hydropower and wind resources attracted investment from energy companies seeking to develop green hydrogen for export to Asia.

Technology sector employment grew by 2,100 positions, with remote and hybrid work arrangements allowing Tasmanian businesses to attract workers who valued the lifestyle, lower housing costs, and quality of life that the island offered. Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the shift to flexible working had materially improved Tasmania's ability to compete with capital cities for knowledge-sector talent. "For the first time, we can tell a skilled worker that they do not have to choose between the career they want and the life they want," he said.

Agri-food processing, building on Tasmania's strong agricultural reputation, added 1,800 positions as investment in food manufacturing facilities accelerated. Three new food processing plants opened in the period, including a Tasmanian-grown berry processing facility and an expanded Tasmanian Fine Cheese Company production plant.

The two-year review will inform the next phase of the Jobs and Growth Plan, which is expected to be released before the end of the calendar year.

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