Tasmania 2026: Why This Is a Moment of Momentum for Employers

A labour market powered by confidence

Tasmania’s unemployment rate reached 3.8 per cent in April 2025, the lowest in the nation and a continuation of more than three years of sustained strength. This signals an economy where businesses are hiring, projects are progressing and confidence is high. 

In this environment, the organisations that plan early will be the ones who secure the capability they need. At Miller Leith, we continue to speak with leaders who want to build high-performing teams now to support the growth coming over the next decade. 

A state powered by major investment

Tasmania’s infrastructure pipeline now exceeds 30.68 billion dollars and continues to rise. Large-scale investment is underway across clean energy, transport, housing, ports and regional development. 

Projects such as the Bell Bay Green Hydrogen Hub and the Marinus Link interconnector, both progressing through key approvals in 2025, illustrate how strongly Tasmania is positioning itself in the national energy transition. These initiatives will grow jobs across technical trades, project management, engineering and corporate leadership. They also lift Tasmania’s profile as a destination for professionals seeking long-term career growth. 

FMCG and agri-food are taking Tasmania to the world

Tasmania’s premium provenance continues to resonate across global markets. According to the state government’s 2025 reporting, agriculture and seafood remain standout performers, supported by strong demand for high-quality, sustainably produced Tasmanian products. 

We are seeing rising demand for production managers, food safety specialists, trade marketers and supply chain capability. Sustainability, traceability and export readiness are shaping future roles, and businesses that embed these capabilities early will be well placed to scale. 

What This Means for Workforce Planning

FMCG and Food Processing

Employers are focusing on people who can support consistency, compliance and global market expansion. Key areas of demand include: 

• Production managers and maintenance technicians who can lift efficiency 
• Quality assurance and food safety professionals who understand export standards 
• Demand planners and trade marketing specialists who can position Tasmanian brands internationally 

Teams with strong capability in sustainability, packaging innovation and product lifecycle analysis are becoming increasingly valuable. 

Manufacturing and Clean Energy

As large clean-energy and advanced manufacturing projects progress, leaders are preparing for increased demand for: 

• Electrical, mechanical and instrumentation technicians 
• Process engineers, fabricators, welders and CNC operators 
• Specialists in industrial digitalisation, automation and OT cybersecurity 

Developing talent pipelines through apprenticeships, training partnerships and skilled migration programs will help businesses build resilience as these projects scale. 

Infrastructure and Major Projects

More than 440 active projects valued above five million dollars are moving through Tasmania’s pipeline. This creates strong, multi-year demand for: 

• Project controllers and cost engineers 
• Transmission and civil engineers 
• HSE advisors and environmental approval specialists 
• Freight, logistics and supply chain coordinators 

Organisations that align hiring with the timelines of these major projects will be able to secure talent more strategically and maintain momentum throughout delivery. 

Corporate Leadership and Governance

As projects grow in scale and complexity, corporate capability will continue to expand. We expect increased demand for: 

• Portfolio and PMO directors 
• ESG and risk-management leaders 
• Workforce analytics specialists who can support skills-based planning 

Boards and executive teams are already prioritising workforce mobility, scenario planning and sustainable governance settings to support Tasmania’s economic growth. 

How Employers Can Prepare

1. Plan workforce needs against the state’s long-term project and investment cycle. 
2. Build capability through VET partnerships, internal development pathways and targeted attraction strategies. 
3. Strengthen digital capability across operations, reporting and supply-chain management. 
4. Create flexible, inclusive roles that appeal to experienced professionals, regional talent and new entrants. 

Miller Leith supports clients across the full career lifecycle. Our recruitment, consulting and career transition services allow organisations to build capability, retain talent and navigate change with confidence. As the only medium-sized agency servicing the entire east coast, we are uniquely positioned to support Tasmania’s next stage of growth. 

The Bottom Line

Tasmania’s outlook for 2026 reflects progress, investment and genuine opportunity. FMCG, clean energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and corporate sectors are all gaining momentum. Organisations that plan now, invest in people and build future-focused capability will play a leading role in Tasmania’s success story. 

If you would like support shaping your workforce strategy or securing the talent your organisation needs, I would love to connect. 

Contact Us | Meet the Author