Our events provide a place for the public sector to come together to learn, debate, share experiences and explore ideas. Details of our upcoming events and those we have held during the last year are provided below.
Upcoming Events
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IPAA Tasmania’s State Budget Briefing Lunch is a flagship annual event and a key fixture in the Tasmanian public sector calendar. Held shortly after the release of the State Budget, the briefing brings together senior leaders and professionals from across the Tasmanian State Service to gain timely, practical insight into the priorities, pressures and choices shaping the year ahead.
The delivery of the State Budget is more than a fiscal exercise—it sets expectations for how different parts of the public sector respond to competing demands, pursue efficiency and productivity, and continue to deliver services and outcomes for the Tasmanian community in a constrained environment.
Join Gary Swain, Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance, as keynote presenter, together with a panel of senior State Service leaders, as they unpack the 2026–27 Tasmanian Budget from a public service perspective. The discussion will explore the factors shaping the Budget, how its decisions play out across different agencies and portfolios, and what “doing things differently” looks like in practice—from central stewardship through to frontline and regulatory delivery.
Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions during the session, enabling a broad and interactive discussion of emerging challenges, opportunities and implications. To support a frank and constructive exchange of views, the event will operate under Chatham House rules.
Keynote Speaker
Gary Swain | Secretary, Department of Treasury and Finance
Gary was appointed as the Secretary of Treasury and Finance in January 2024 and joined the Board of TASCORP in June. Gary has progressed through public and private sector organisations over the preceding 30 years, most recently having spent a decade as Deputy Secretary, Transport and Infrastructure within the Tasmanian Government.
His diverse executive and senior management roles have involved public policy and regulatory functions, service delivery including major capital project delivery, and business improvement across a range of functional responsibilities. His professional training is in Economics and Asian Studies and he is a graduate of the University of Tasmania.
Panel Guests
Kristy Bourne | Secretary, Department of Justice
Kristy Bourne was appointed Secretary, Department of Justice in January 2025 and was previously the Deputy Secretary, Justice & Reform within the Department of Justice. A former practicing lawyer, Ms Bourne is recognised as an effective, values-based leader with a passion for the Justice and Corrections sectors and a broad operational knowledge. Her career includes experience with Victorian firm Freehills and the Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, as well as the Chief of Staff to Tasmanian Attorney-General, the late Honourable Dr Vanessa Goodwin MLC.
Ross Smith | Assistant Secretary, Department for Education, Children and Young People
Ross Smith joined the Tasmanian State Service in the Department of Education from the Commonwealth Public Service in 1994. He has held a number of senior roles across the Departments of Treasury and Finance, Health and Justice and is currently working in a fixed term role with the Department for Education, Children and Young People until 30 June 2026.
Event Details
Date: Monday, 25 May 2026
Time
Registration – 12:00pm
IPAA Tasmania Welcome – 12:20pm
Keynote Presentation – 12:30pm
Panel Discussion | Q&A – 1:10pm
Event Closes: 2:00pm
Venue: RACV Hotel Hobart
Cost:
$85 (incl GST, excl. booking fee) – IPAA Individual Members
$680 (incl GST, excl. booking fee) – IPAA Corporate Member Tables of 8
$120 (incl GST, excl. booking fee) – Non-members
The price includes lunch and non-alcoholic refreshments. Please advise of any specific dietary requirements when booking.
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Past Events
