Tasmanian Parliament Convenes in Hobart to Progress Building Tasmania Initiative

Parliament House Hobart: Session Resumes Following State of the State Address

Political activity in Hobart reaches a high point today, Wednesday, 4 March 2026, as both houses of the Tasmanian Parliament convene for the second day of the March sitting. Following Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s annual State of the State address delivered yesterday, the House of Assembly is expected to focus on the legislative framework required to establish "Building Tasmania," a new government department dedicated to supercharging infrastructure and housing delivery.

Legislative Focus: The Residential Parks Bill 2026

One of the primary agenda items for today's session is the progression of the Residential Parks Bill 2026. Tabled yesterday by the Rockliff Liberal Government, the bill moves into its next stage of debate today. This legislation represents a significant reform for the state, aiming to provide enhanced legal protections and long-term security for residents living in caravan parks and similar residential settings. Government officials stated that the bill is a key component of their broader strategy to address the housing crisis currently affecting the Greater Hobart area and the wider state.

Supercharging Infrastructure via 'Building Tasmania'

Today's session will also see further debate on the "Building Tasmania" initiative. The new department, led by Minister Kerry Vincent, is designed to streamline the construction of essential roads, housing, and public infrastructure. During today's proceedings, members are expected to discuss the departmental transition from the Department of State Growth. The government has framed this as a necessary step to meet the targets set out in the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, focusing specifically on:

• Accelerating the delivery of new social and affordable housing projects across the capital.
• Coordinating major road upgrades to ease congestion in Hobart's northern and southern corridors.
• Managing the redevelopment of Wilkinson’s Point and the adjoining Dowsing Point area.

Healthcare and Local Development Updates

The government is also expected to provide updates on several regional projects impacting the capital during today's question time. This includes the recent submission to the Tasmanian Planning Commission regarding the 155-room Kangaroo Bay development and the next phase of the Royal Hobart Hospital emergency department expansion. Furthermore, following yesterday’s announcement of a one-year wage agreement with the Australian Medical Association (AMA) Tasmania, members will likely discuss the ongoing rollout of the nurse practitioner strategy and regional mental health support services.

While the state government remains active in Parliament House today, the Hobart City Council is not scheduled to hold a formal meeting. The Council's next Planning Authority Committee session is slated for March 11, with the full Council meeting to follow later this month on March 30.