Question & Answer – Tasmanian Heritage Council Applications Follow Up

April 14, 2026

Ms WEBB question to LEADER for the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Ms RATTRAY

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Further to my previous questions relating to the 11 February announcement by the Minister for Arts and Heritage of the appointment of the new Chair of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, can the government,

(1) Please provide a copy of the full applicant information package?

(2) Provide a copy of the current position description for the position of the Tasmanian Heritage Council Chair?

(3) Confirm whether the minister or anyone from the minister’s office actively encouraged prospective participants to apply, and if so, whom?

(4) Confirm that the referee text requested for the four shortlisted candidates were received either verbally or in written format?

(5) Further address the unanswered aspect of my question of 6 March to confirm or otherwise that referee feedback was specifically sought on candidates’ relevant heritage skills and experience?

(6) Provide the recruitment selection criteria and position description which was in place for the previous Chair of the Tasmanian Heritage Council?

ANSWER

I have two documents as part of the answer to this question and I seek leave to table these documents, which are the Tasmanian Heritage Council Expressions of Interest Fact Sheet, and Chairperson Tasmanian Heritage Council Information Package.

Leave granted.

See Appendix 1, page xxx.

As I’ve said, the full applicant information package is provided in attachment one, just tabled. The position description for the Tasmanian Heritage Council Chair is documented within the applicant information package.

Next answer, it is quite usual for recruiting a position of this nature for the link to the advertised position to be shared widely to generate maximum interest. The referee checks requested for the four shortlisted candidates were received in written format.

Referee feedback was sought to gain insight into the candidate suitability for the Chair role in line with the selection criteria. This included experience in senior leadership, stakeholder management, contemporary governance, statutory decision-making and operating in sensitive environments. Referees were also asked about personal attributes including conflict resolution, strategic thinking and working collaboratively. Noting that Tasmanian Heritage Council comprises 14 other members, 4 of whom are specifically appointed for their relevant heritage skills and experience, this is not considered a requirement for the Chair role.

Attachment 2 provides a copy of the position description and selection criteria for recruitment of the previous Chair of the Tasmanian Heritage Council.

Ms Webb – Is that in the tabled information, second lot?

Ms RATTRAY – Yes.