A community services industry built for the future.
In 2021, The Tasmanian Government and the community services industry released a ten-year Tasmanian Community Services Industry Plan (2021-31) to guide industry development, recruit and train our growing workforce and to futureproof the delivery of much-needed services to Tasmanians in need.
The Industry Plan is immensely significant as it provides a vision for the community services for the next decade, which is shared by peak bodies, community service organisations and the Tasmanian Government. It provides an overarching framework to guide strategic industry development and transition planning.
The Industry Plan’s vision is for a connected community services industry that supports all Tasmanians to live a good life and enriches our state’s social, cultural and economic wellbeing.
Overall, the Industry Plan contains three strategic priorities:
- Strategic Priority 1: Local Solutions for Tasmanians
- Strategic Priority 2: Workforce Development and Training
- Strategic Priority 3: Leading for Impact
The Workforce Coordination Project is the first project to be funded under the Industry Plan.
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Community services is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in Tasmania, employing approximately 28,000 local workers statewide in roles ranging from education and care (childcare), home care and allied health workers, to strategic project managers and experienced CEOs. The industry is also supported by a workforce of around 46,900 (formal) volunteers
The economic value added by the community services industry in Tasmania is $1.9 billion each year.
The industry is currently experiencing a critical workforce shortage and with a predicted increase in service demand, together with other global factors, workforce shortages remain a key priority. To this end, in 2021 the Tasmanian Government committed $3.3 million over three-years to the Workforce Coordination Project to address this skills shortage. This project is the first stage of the Industry Plan implementation.
The implementation of the Industry Plan is overseen by a governance structure comprising three bodies:
- The Industry Advisory Council, which provides high level oversight and endorsement.
- The Industry Development Steering Committee is responsible for steering and advising, reporting to the Industry Advisory Council.
- The Workforce Coalition is responsible for actioning Strategic Priority 2: Workforce Development and Training, reporting to the Industry Development Steering Committee.
Each of these groups is informed by input from community and consumer groups.