What is Tasmanian Together?
Tasmania Together (http://www.tasmaniatogether.tas.gov.au) is a community-owned 20-year social, environmental and economic plan for the State of Tasmania. The plan presents a community vision for the State and seeks to measure progress towards the vision. It is intended to focus decision-making in the community and more particularly government beyond the election cycle.
How was the process initiated?
The concept was proposed by the Bacon Labor government and received the support of the Liberal Party and the Greens in Parliament. It was inspired by similar concepts in other parts of the world, most notably Oregon in the USA.
How will progress be measured?
The plan includes 212 benchmarks, which will be used to measure progress towards achieving the objectives defined in the plan. The term 'benchmark' refers to the unique combination of a broad goal, a standard (more specific measurable statement that supports the goal), an indicator and its associated target(s). Further, benchmarks are typically accompanied by a rationale that explains the selection of the benchmark.
Who will be responsible for monitoring?
An independent statutory authority, the 'Progress Board', consisting of 9 members selected from public nominations has been established. The Board will have responsibility for:
- monitoring progress towards achieving benchmarks;
- reporting to Parliament; and,
- promoting Tasmania Together within the community and encouraging the formation of coalitions of interest to work together in support of the plan.
Impact on government
The Bacon Labor government's commitment to Tasmania Together has resulted in changes to governmental structures and processes. Changes are intended to complement existing processes to ensure Tasmania Together objectives are addressed by Government. Changes include:
- the contribution of agencies to a three-year strategic document 'Tasmania Together Performance Plan'.
- budget process and timeframes changed to integrate Tasmania Together with the budget cycle. Cabinet advises the Budget Committee on priority benchmarks and initiatives. The focus of the Committee has been broadened to include monitoring agencies' performance on priority benchmarks. Membership of the Budget Committee has been expanded to include a former Community Leaders Group member to support this expanded role. The Budget Committee will consider agency bids in the context of priority benchmarks and will include agency initiatives and performance indicators relevant to Tasmania Together in the Budget Papers.
- the monthly 'Heads of Agency' meeting now includes Tasmania Together as a standing item. 'Heads of Agency' both reports to and advises Cabinet with respect to Tasmania Together benchmarks, determines which agency should report on particular benchmarks, and encourages a uniform approach to agency reporting.
Examples of other Community Plans
- UK Government 1999 report 'A Better Quality of Life: a strategy for Sustainable Development in the United Kingdom'.
- South Australia: SA Business Vision 2010.
HISTORY/TIMELINE
|
| Date | Event |
|
| Dec 1998 | Cabinet decision to undertake Tasmania Together. |
| May 1999 | Formation of Community Leaders Group (CLG). Appointments made by the Premier in consultation with other political parties from 140 names received in a public nomination process. All appointees were volunteers. |
| Jul 1999 | 'Search Conference' held. Members of the CLG listened to the views of 60 Tasmanians from a broad cross-section of the community at a three-day conference. This 'Search Conference' was a starting point for Tasmania Together. It resulted in a draft document 'Our Vision, Our Future', for distribution throughout the State as a basis for broad community discussion. |
| Dec 1999 | 'Our Vision, Our Future' released and distributed to 14,000 organisations and individuals. |
| Feb - May 2000 | Community consultation consisting of over 60 public meetings at venues around the State. The CLG also consulted 100 community organisations, received 160 detailed written submissions, 4,000 comments sheets from readers of 'Our Vision, Our Future', 6,200 messages from web-site visitors, and 2,500 postcards. |
| Oct 2000 | Final visions and goals released. |
| Dec 2000 - Jun 2001 | Benchmarking process undertaken. The CLG invited nominations from the public in order to continue community involvement through benchmarking. |
| Jun 2001 | Legislation to create Progress Board passed by Parliament. |
| Aug 2001 | Benchmarks finalised by CLG. |
Sep 2001
Oct 2001 | Public release of Tasmania Together.
Progress Board appointed. |
| Nov 2001 | Progress Board first meeting. |
| Feb - Jun 2002 | Monthly forums held at various locations around the State. Forums serve as an opportunity for the Progress Board to report on its activities and to share ideas about community involvement in Tasmania Together. |
| Aug 2002 | Target date for the tabling in Parliament of the first Tasmania Together Progress Report. |
|
Print Page
Print All
