Question & Answer – Tasmanian Heritage Council – Recruitment Process for Chair

May 20, 2026

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

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Further to my previous questions on 9 April relating to the recruitment process and appointment of the new chair of the Tasmanian Heritage Council announced by the Minister for Arts and Heritage on 11 February, can the government please:

(1) detail the first EOI process for this position, which apparently commenced in January 2025, including EOI timeline from instigation through to any shortlist presented to the minister and or Cabinet.

(2) explain why the position was not filled prior to 19 July 2025 state election.

(3) provide details of any advice sought and or provided on filling the position following the July 2025 state election

(4) confirm the date Mr Stephen Parry sent his CV to the minister for the minister’s information.

(5) confirm whether any of the shortlisted candidates arising from the January 2025 EOI process also applied during 2 September 2025 EOI process and, if so, how many.

ANSWER

Quite a lengthy answer, and it’s awkward up that end. On 24 December 2024, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania wrote to the minister advising that Ms Brett Torosi’s final term as chair of the Tasmanian Heritage Council would expire in June 2025. Within this advice, the department sought approval to commence a public expression of interest (EOI) process, to fill the upcoming vacancy.

On 9 January 2025, the minister approved the undertaking of the EOI process and the department commenced preparations for the advertisement of the position. The EOI process opened on 19 January 2025 and closed on 16 February 2025. It was advertised in Tasmania’s three daily newspapers, on the Tasmanian Women’s Register and the department’s website and LinkedIn.

On 18 March 2025, the selection panel met to review the applications received and shortlisted three candidates for interview. Interviews were conducted between 7 and 10 April 2025 and candidates were assessed against the selection criteria outlined in the applicant information package. The assessment was documented in a selection report provided to the minister for consideration on 13 May 2025. On 14 May 2025, the department was provided with advice of the minister’s preferred candidate and proceeded to prepare the cabinet documentation.

On 12 June 2025, caretaker conventions came into effect that required the appointment process to be halted. The department had not provided the cabinet documentation to the minister prior to caretaker conventions coming into effect. Following the conclusion of caretaker conventions on 11 August 2025 and noting considerable time had elapsed since the commencement of the EOI, it was recommended by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to call for an EOI again. The minister subsequently requested the department commence a new EOI process. Stephen Parry sent his CV to the office of Madeleine Ogilvie MP on 2 September 2025.

Yes, two shortlisted candidates from the January 2025 EOI process applied during the second EOI process. One withdrew prior to interview.