What we heard
Tasmanians told us that fair, equitable access to services and support is key to creating a Connected and Respectful community, especially when help is easy to find, easy to understand and feels safe to use.
Access isn’t only about whether a service exits, or whether a building has ramps or lifts. It’s also about systems that are easy to move through, with clear and accessible information and connected pathways that don’t create hurdles for people already doing it tough.
When people talked about accessible information, they meant information that is clear, respectful and easy to find, with straightforward explanations of available support and how to access it.
Common barriers included difficulty reaching services, unclear information, transport gaps, and confusing or unfair access rules. These challenges were felt most strongly in rural, remote and coastal communities, and by young people, older people and people with disability.
People also highlighted the need for flexible, low-barrier opportunities to participate and contribute, with programs and spaces that meet people where they are.
What does this mean for services and for Tasmania’s future?
- Equity can support productivity by enabling more people to build skills, access services, participate in employment and contribute to economic and community life.
- More Tasmanians can learn, work and contribute when practical, financial, cultural, geographic and digital barriers to education, employment and services are identified and reduced.
- Expanding access to education, services and employment pathways can broaden Tasmania’s talent pool, lift participation and support local economies when matched with real opportunities, employer demand and regional investment.
- Equitable access is both a social good and a long-term investment in human capital, economic inclusion and community resilience, particularly when it supports people to complete education, access services and move into meaningful work.
So what might fair access to services and support look like?
- Information is accessible, clear and easy to find.
- Services are designed around people’s real lives.
- People can access support and navigate services more easily.
- Reliable transport helps people reach the support they need.
- People can contribute and participate in flexible ways that work for them.
Together, these features help build connected and respectful communities.
Get involved
You can check out how to get involved with the journey towards a more connected and respectful Tasmania.
We are all in this together and we would love for you to get involved.