Like many Tasmanians, we’ve watched the latest political shake-up with frustration and fatigue. An early election. Another leadership challenge. Recycled promises. Lost time.
It feels like déjà vu – another short-term political cycle playing out while long-term problems continue to pile up.
But what if this disruption could be the reset Tasmania needs?
What if this unexpected election is the circuit breaker that lets us finally rethink the way we plan, invest and govern – before it’s too late?
Because the truth is, Tasmania’s future is being shaped by forces that don’t care about who’s in power or when an election is called. Housing pressure, an ageing population, generational inequality and climate change – these are long-term, structural challenges that demand long-term, structural responses.
We can’t keep tinkering at the edges and expecting different results.
That’s why the recent call for a dedicated urban renewal body is, in principle, a welcome signal. But announcements made in the heat of a campaign are no substitute for the kind of deep, bipartisan effort that real reform requires. This work can’t be owned by one side of politics. It needs a shared mandate, built from the ground up, not rushed into the spotlight.
To succeed, this model must be legislated with cross-party support, independent governance and a long-term mandate. This is an invitation – to all sides of politics – to help design a vehicle big enough for everyone to own and bold enough to deliver real results. Otherwise, it risks becoming yet another good idea that falls into the gap between political cycles.
However, this kind of reform takes not only vision, but serious delivery capability, deep collaboration across sectors, and above all, political durability.
It also takes investment, and not just public funding.
The scale of what’s required in Tasmania cannot be delivered without private capital. That means creating the confidence investors need in planning frameworks, in process, in timelines and in the state’s ability to deliver as a credible, stable partner.
The Federal Government also has a role to play – but co-investment won’t flow unless Tasmania can demonstrate the governance, clarity and capability to deliver. If we want to unlock national funding, we must show we’re ready to lead.
That means:
This isn’t about blaming politicians. Most enter public life for the right reasons. But the system they inherit is not fit for the scale of change Tasmania needs. It favours announcements over action, risk-aversion over reform, and short-term headlines over long-term results.
So yes, this election is disruptive. But disruption can also be useful if we treat it as a moment to reset the system.
Let’s use this moment to build something better together for the long term.
Cam Crawford is Chief Executive of the Committee for Greater Hobart
