Tasmanian economic roundtable to help shape Albanese government’s second-term agenda

Tasmania’s federal Labor MPs are set to host an economic roundtable at the University of Tasmania next month, which will feed into a highly anticipated discussion taking place in Canberra.

Tasmanian Labor senators Carol Brown and Richard Dowling have announced an economic roundtable set to take place at the University of Tasmania. Picture: Supplied

An economic roundtable set to be held at the University of Tasmania next month will help shape the Albanese government’s second-term agenda, the state’s federal Labor MPs say.

Tasmania’s ALP team will host the roundtable on August 6, bringing together three key academics to present and discuss ideas about the state’s economic future and how it can best capitalise on opportunities and overcome challenges.

The event will complement and feed into the federal government’s broader economic reform roundtable in Canberra, which is being held from August 19-21 and will see leaders from business, trade unions, civil society, and government sectors converge on the capital for wide-ranging talks.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – NewsWire Photos – July 21, 2025: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signs in Richard Dowling (Tasmania) at Labor Caucus meeting of the 48th Parliament at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The highly touted Canberra roundtable is being spruiked as a vital component of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s agenda for his government’s second term in office.

The Tasmanian discussion will involve a smaller selection of contributors but the state’s federal Labor politicians are encouraging all Tasmanians to share their views on the island’s economic future.

Leading economist, Dr Angela Jackson, will speak to the local roundtable about productivity in the state and how red tape reduction and investment can help grow a more dynamic economy.

Economist Angela Jackson

Demographer Dr Lisa Denny, meanwhile, will discuss skills, education, and workforce challenges, with a focus on the care economy and its vital role as key economic infrastructure.

Finally, UTAS Dean of Business and Economics, Mark Bowles, has been tapped to speak about clean energy and digital reform, discussing the potential to unlock Tasmania’s strength in renewables and technology as a way of driving new growth in productivity.

Tasmanian Labor senator Richard Dowling, who was formerly the chief economist for the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the roundtable was “about securing good, well-paid jobs for Tasmanians, now and into the future”.

“That means backing local industries, attracting new investment, and building the skills people need to succeed,” he said.

Dr Lisa Denny

“Productivity isn’t just a number on a spreadsheet – it’s what drives higher wages, stronger public services, and better living standards. We need to keep it front and centre in our economic thinking.”

Tasmanian Labor senator Carol Brown described the roundtable as an opportunity to listen and “hear what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change to make our economy fairer and stronger”.

“Productivity at its core is about people. It’s about better jobs, stronger services, and making sure no-one is left behind,” she said.

“We know government can’t do this alone. That’s why we’re bringing people together – to find practical ideas that work for Tasmania.”

Originally published as Tasmanian economic roundtable to help shape Albanese government’s second-term agenda