A new report calls for a more united public sector in Tasmania.

The Tasmanian State Service’s interim report (PDF) calls on the government to encourage a move towards a single, united state service with a better capacity to address whole-of-government priorities.

Premier Peter Gutwein says the report shows the state’s public sector is full of good people who are committed to delivering high quality services.

“It also provides some early insights into lessons learnt from the recent response to the COVID-19 pandemic, given the need for state service employees to be flexible and agile in their response during this challenging time. It also highlights the significant transformation that the state service will need to undergo to successfully respond to future demands in the coming years,” he said.

Among the report’s 13 recommendations is a call for the development of “One Tasmanian State Service” (One TSS).

“This review considers the concept of ‘One TSS’ to be a foundation stone for helping to create a more unified culture for the future success of the organisation and meeting the current and future needs of the Tasmanian community,” the report says.

“The overall significance of ‘One TSS’ is to promote a sense of purpose and build a culture where all employees work together. As the APS example shows, such a shift will not occur immediately and will most likely be achieved through a series of modest, yet meaningful changes over time.”

Other jurisdictions have undertaken similar reforms, including the Queensland government’s #BeHere4Qld and NSW’s ‘I work for NSW’ schemes.

“Both initiatives outline overarching state service values with the aim of creating a sense of unity and attracting talent,” the report says.

It calls for the establishment of ‘One TSS’ to be a priority over the next 12 months, led by the secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

“It should recognise the importance of engaging and sharing ideas, communicating with all TSS staff, regardless of profession, sector or level about what the concept should mean to them and listening to their response. It should be facilitated in a way that gives employees a real and meaningful opportunity to contribute to the development of ‘One TSS’,” the report said.