Legislative Council Thursday 27 August, 2020 

Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

With regard to public reports of a concerning workplace culture at Heritage Tasmania:

1. Is the Minister aware that a staff satisfaction survey was recently conducted by CPSU;

2. Is the Minister aware of the apparent high level of dissatisfaction among staff as indicated by the survey;

3. Does the Minster agree that cultural change is required at Heritage Tasmania; and

a. If so, what measures are being implemented to assist staff?

ANSWER:

1. The Minister is aware of the anonymous and confidential survey of Heritage Tasmania staff conducted by the CPSU in March of this year, which appeared in the media.

2. The themes highlighted by the survey were known to the Department, and are being addressed through a suite of actions to improve communication between Heritage Tasmania staff and managers, and to enhance workplace culture generally.

3. In 2019 senior Department officers consulted comprehensively with Heritage Tasmania staff to explore a number of issues relating to workplace communication, behaviours and some operational matters. In response, a Cultural Change Action Plan is being implemented to work through specific concerns, and promote a more positive workplace culture.

An independent consultant is supporting this process. Senior executives within the Department have been closely involved, and are available to support the staff and managers. Staff are regularly encouraged to seek any additional support they may need from the People and Culture Division, or the Employee Assistance Program.