Tasmanian Government Transparency: What You Need to Know

The Tasmanian government has requested government-owned businesses to create public disclosure logs for right-to-information documents, but 9 have failed to respond.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has warned these businesses that the government plans to amend legislation to force them to disclose RTI documents.
The move is part of a broader effort to increase transparency and accountability in government-owned businesses.
Several businesses, including TasTAFE, Hydro, and Sustainable Timbers Tasmania, are already publishing disclosure logs.
The issue has sparked concerns about the culture of secrecy in government-owned businesses and the need for stricter oversight and accountability.

The Tasmanian government's push for transparency in government-owned businesses has hit a roadblock, with 9 businesses defying requests to create public disclosure logs for right-to-information documents. Premier Jeremy Rockliff has warned these businesses that the government plans to amend legislation to force them to disclose RTI documents, sparking concerns about the culture of secrecy in government-owned businesses.

The issue began in March, when the parliament supported a motion asking state-owned businesses, including TT-Line and Tasracing, to establish a public disclosure log for right-to-information requests. However, several businesses have failed to comply, prompting Premier Rockliff to write to them in April, reminding them of their obligations under the act and asking them to publish RTI disclosures on their websites within 48 hours of their release to the applicant.

Tasmanian Government Transparency: The Full Story Explained

The Right to Information Act 2009 does not currently require disclosure logs, but the government is seeking to amend the legislation to compel government-owned businesses to maintain an active and up-to-date public disclosure log. The move is part of a broader effort to increase transparency and accountability in government-owned businesses, following concerns about the governance of these entities.

In 2025, the Tasmanian government vowed to enforce stricter oversight, transparency, and accountability of government businesses, following the Spirit of Tasmania replacement debacle. The government passed a tranche of legislation in October to strengthen the governance of government-owned businesses, but it appears that more needs to be done to address the culture of secrecy in these entities.

Historical Context: Has This Happened Before?

The issue of transparency in government-owned businesses is not new in Tasmania. In 2025, the government faced criticism over the handling of the Spirit of Tasmania replacement project, which resulted in significant cost blowouts and delays. The incident highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in government-owned businesses, and the current push for public disclosure logs is part of a broader effort to address these concerns.

Similar issues have arisen in other jurisdictions, including the Australian federal government's handling of freedom of information requests. In 2020, the Australian Information Commissioner reported that the federal government had failed to meet its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act, with many requests being delayed or denied.

Tasmanian Government Transparency: Economic & Real-World Impact

The lack of transparency in government-owned businesses can have significant economic and real-world impacts. In the case of the Spirit of Tasmania replacement project, the cost blowouts and delays resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in additional costs to the state. Similarly, the failure to disclose RTI documents can limit the public's ability to hold government-owned businesses accountable for their actions.

The issue can also have broader economic implications, as it can limit the ability of businesses and investors to make informed decisions. In a report released in 2020, the Australian Institute noted that a lack of transparency in government-owned businesses can limit competition and innovation, and can result in poor decision-making and inefficient allocation of resources.

Expert Analysis & What Comes Next

According to Cassy O'Connor, Greens integrity spokesperson, the issue highlights the need for cultural change in government-owned businesses. 'Publicly disclosing RTI information is a bare minimum transparency measure, so it's disturbing some government businesses won't follow the requests of the parliament and the Premier,' she said.

'Just who do these GBEs think they are? They are publicly-owned and they're supposed to operate in the public interest. There is no justification for defiantly refusing to publish what should be public information.'

Ella Haddad, Labor integrity spokesperson, noted that the issue is part of a broader culture of secrecy in government-owned businesses. 'Labor experienced difficulties accessing what should have been readily available information from a GBE just this year, when TasRacing refused to provide us with documents they had already disclosed to a journalist under an RTI request relating to its inappropriate promotion of the Liberals' broken TasInsure promise,' she said.

What This Means For You: Practical Guidance

If you are a Tasmanian resident, the lack of transparency in government-owned businesses can limit your ability to hold these entities accountable for their actions. To stay informed, you can check the websites of government-owned businesses to see if they have published disclosure logs. You can also contact your local member of parliament to express your concerns about the issue.

If you are a business or investor, the lack of transparency in government-owned businesses can limit your ability to make informed decisions. To mitigate this risk, you can seek out alternative sources of information, such as media reports or freedom of information requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a public disclosure log?

A public disclosure log is a record of documents that have been released in response to right-to-information requests. It allows anyone to access these documents, not just the person who made the request.

Why are public disclosure logs important?

Public disclosure logs are important because they allow the public to access information about government-owned businesses and hold them accountable for their actions. They also promote transparency and accountability in government-owned businesses.

What is the current state of public disclosure logs in Tasmania?

Currently, 9 government-owned businesses in Tasmania have failed to respond to requests to create public disclosure logs for right-to-information documents. However, several businesses, including TasTAFE, Hydro, and Sustainable Timbers Tasmania, are already publishing disclosure logs.

What are the consequences of not having public disclosure logs?

The lack of public disclosure logs can limit the public's ability to hold government-owned businesses accountable for their actions. It can also limit the ability of businesses and investors to make informed decisions, and can result in poor decision-making and inefficient allocation of resources.

What can I do to stay informed about public disclosure logs in Tasmania?

To stay informed, you can check the websites of government-owned businesses to see if they have published disclosure logs. You can also contact your local member of parliament to express your concerns about the issue.

In conclusion, the issue of transparency in government-owned businesses is a critical one, and the lack of public disclosure logs in Tasmania is a concern. By understanding the importance of public disclosure logs and staying informed about the issue, you can help promote transparency and accountability in government-owned businesses.

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