Heritage office move cancelled after staff revolt
The state government has abandoned a plan to shift Heritage Tasmania staff out of the Launceston CBD. HERE’S WHY
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The state government has abandoned a plan to shift Heritage Tasmania staff out of the Launceston CBD after a revolt from staff and unions — and lobbying from local MPs.
Staff were told before Christmas they would be shifted from government offices in the northern city to Prospect.
There were concerns the move would make it harder for them to give their best attention to heritage buildings in the city.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff told parliament on Wednesday he had listened to the lobbying and the move was off.
“I would never seek to diminish the ability of Heritage Tasmania staff to undertake their statutory duties.
“We are always open to feedback and try to address the matters that have been raised. There have been security matters that have been raised as well about the building.
“Given the advocacy of yourself and others, and the number of areas raised, I have determined that we will no longer pursue the proposed move, and that Heritage Tasmania staff will remain at St John Street.”
Independent MP Rebekah Pentland applauded the Premier’s decision, describing it as a “humble but important win” for the community.
“This is a fantastic outcome for Heritage Tasmania, for its dedicated staff, and for the city of Launceston,” Mrs Pentland said.
“It’s also a credit to the Premier, who listened to the concerns and showed leadership in reversing the decision.
“Heritage belongs in the heart of the community it serves.
“This is a win for the staff and their union representatives who spoke up, a win for Heritage Tasmania, and a win for common sense. It proves that when we listen, collaborate and stay focused on what matters, good things happen.”
Labor’s heritage spokeswoman Meg Brown said the government loved flip-flopping.
“While Labor welcomes Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s latest backflip to stop the forced move of Heritage Tasmania workers out of their Launceston office, it’s a telling sign of just how weak he’s become.
“The Premier’s awful leadership has seen him become so compromised that he can’t even stick to his word about moving an office.
“It’s becoming clearer and clearer that Tasmanians can’t trust a thing this Premier says.”
Originally published as Heritage office move cancelled after staff revolt
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