Dear Jane 

Thank you for taking the time to write and share your concerns regarding the possibility of further job cuts at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. I appreciate your thoughtful email and the important points you raise about the role TMAG plays in preserving and sharing Tasmania's cultural, artistic, historical and scientific heritage.

I have long been a strong supporter of the arts and cultural sector in Tasmania. Over many years I have supported the arts in a range of ways, including through personal financial contributions, attendance at exhibitions, performances and public events, and by speaking in Parliament about the significant value that arts and cultural institutions bring to our communities.

I agree that TMAG is much more than a visitor attraction. It is a critical state institution that safeguards collections of immense importance to Tasmania and provides educational, cultural and community benefits that extend across the entire state. The programs, exhibitions, research, conservation work and public engagement activities you mention all contribute significantly to Tasmania's social and cultural life.

I understand the concerns that further staffing reductions could place additional pressure on both collections management and public programs. Maintaining specialist expertise and institutional knowledge is an important consideration whenever decisions are made about the resourcing of cultural institutions.

I will continue to advocate for appropriate levels of funding for the arts broadly as well as TMAG. TMAG and our other arts organisations are critical to our health and wellbeing and must be recognised as such.

Thank you again for writing and for your ongoing advocacy through the Friends of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. I value hearing from people who are deeply engaged with protecting and promoting Tasmania's cultural heritage, and I appreciate the contribution you continue to make.

Kind regards,

Ruth

Hon Ruth Forrest MLC (she/her)
Independent Member for Murchison
Deputy President
Chair of Committees
Parliament of Tasmania
IWF Australia Member
2025 Inductee - Better Politics Foundation - Politicians’ Hall of Fame for Democratic Innovation

www.ruthforrest.com.au