October 2004

Hon Bryan Green, MHA
Minister for Infrastructure, Energy and Resources
Parliament House
HOBART 7000
 Hon Jim Cox, MHA
Minister for Racfing
Parliament House
HOBART 7000 

Dear Ministers

In accordance with Section 36 of the State Service Act 2000 and Section 27 of the Financial Management and Audit Act 1990, I am pleased to submit for your information and presentation to Parliament, the Annual Report of the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources for the year ended 30 June 2004.

The Financial Statements and the certificate of the Auditor-General are included.

The Annual Report of the Director of Energy Planning, required under Section 13 of the Energy Coordination and Planning Act 1995; a Report on the operation of the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995, required under Section 52 of that Act; the Annual Report of the Director of Gas Safety, required under Section 16 of the Gas Act 2000; and the Report and Financial Statements of the Abt Railway Ministerial Corporation, required under Section 31 of the Abt Railway Development Act 1999, are also included.

Yours sincerely

Mark Addis

SECRETARY

Introduction

The Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (DIER) brings together those arms of government which provide infrastructure for the social and economic development of Tasmania.

The Department's charter is to support the existing commercial and social structure and to facilitate new development that will enable Tasmania to prosper. In pursuing this purpose, the Department aims to ensure the effective integration of the key infrastructure serving the community.

This comprises the physical transport and energy assets (such as roads, bridges, ports and powerlines), the information systems capturing, maintaining and providing data (for example, in transport, mining and forestry) and the policy environment and regulatory systems in which business is conducted. A collaborative approach by the Department is a critical dimension to achieving its purpose.

The delivery areas within the Department comprise:

infrastructure (including forestry) policy;

land transport safety;

roads and public transport;

workplace standards;

minerals resources; and

racing services.
On behalf of the Minister for Infrastructure, Energy and Resources and the Minister for Racing, the Department also provides independent strategic policy advice and support in relation to the Government's relationships with many Government Business Enterprises (GBEs), State-Owned Companies (SOCs) and Statutory Authorities.

The Department aims to deliver a strategic approach to the provision of both physical and regulatory infrastructure through its corporate plan. The corporate plan has been developed ensuring that all key Government outcomes are addressed, including those outlined in Tasmania Together, Industry Development Plans and Partnerships with Local Government. The strategic focus of the Department is on contributing to the achievement of the following government outcomes:

facilitation of a safe, accessible and equitable transport system that enhances economic development;

promotion of reliable, efficient and safe energy systems;

promotion of productive, safe workplaces where the rights of employees, employers, principals and the community are being met;

facilitation of mineral exploration and land management for Tasmanian land and offshore waters; and

maintenance of probity and integrity in the racing industry.

Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources