Uncertainty over job loss numbers as TMAG faces staff cut
Tasmania's cultural institutions are set to face another blow as the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery looks to reduce its workforce by 30 per cent, figures refuted by the state government.
Staff at Tasmania's Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) were reportedly informed last week that nearly 20 full-time-equivalent jobs would be cut, accounting for about 30% of the institution's workforce. However, the state government disputes these claims, stating that TMAG will not be required to reduce its workforce by 30%. The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) maintains that staff are uncertain about the exact jobs being cut and the potential service reductions.
The union has called for the government to be clearer about the job cuts and their impact on TMAG's services. TMAG, Australia's second-oldest museum, houses exhibitions on various aspects of Tasmanian history and culture, including the thylacine, Antarctica, and Palawa history. The museum attracted over 280,000 visitors in the 2024-25 financial year.
The state government is currently implementing broader cuts to Tasmania's public service workforce in an effort to control the budget deficit. Treasurer Eric Abetz aims to cut 1,800 jobs by 2032. As part of these changes, TMAG will be overseen by a new entity within the Department of Premier and Cabinet focused on tourism, events, and creative industries.
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