State Service (Agencies) Order (No. 2) 2022

What is this law?

This is a Tasmanian government administrative order that defines or reorganises which bodies count as 'agencies' within Tasmania's State Service (the public service). Essentially, it draws the official map of how the Tasmanian bureaucracy is structured.

Who does it affect?

• Tasmanian public servants — it determines which department or agency employs them and who their head of agency is
• Tasmanian government departments — it formally establishes or reorganises their legal status as agencies
• Members of the public dealing with Tasmanian government — it determines which agency is responsible for particular government functions

Why does it matter?

Under Tasmania's State Service Act 2000, the Premier has power to declare which bodies are 'agencies' within the State Service. This order exercises that power. Getting the agency structure right matters because it determines:

• Who has authority over public servants
• Which minister is responsible for which agency
• Employment entitlements and obligations for staff
• Accountability lines within government

What triggered this?

This is Order No. 2 for 2022, suggesting it was made to reflect a — typically a reshuffle of ministerial responsibilities or a restructure of government departments, often following an election or cabinet reorganisation.