Australian Historical Association
PO Box 1550
Macquarie Centre NSW 2113

www.theaha.org.au

26 October 2026

Parliament of Tasmania

House of Assembly

Australian Historical Association Statement on Proposed Cuts to TMAG

We write to you on behalf of the Australian Historical Association (AHA) to express our serious

concern about proposed budget cuts to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). As the peak body for historians, the AHA advocates for the ability of all historians to produce and publicise excellent and ethical historical research, with fair access to historical resources and communities.

For over a century, TMAG has been central to the cultural, artistic, scientific and historic fabric of Tasmania. It is the guardian of the State Collection, with a legal obligation to care for approximately one million objects of inestimable value. Many are fragile and require constant vigilance and maintenance to prevent deterioration. TMAG is also acknowledged internationally for its stewardship of First Nations cultural materials from Tasmania and many Pacific Island nations. It would be unthinkable to put those relationships and the institution’s custodianship at risk.

TMAG has an outstanding reputation, which draws visitors and researchers from across the country and world. It has educated generations of Tasmanians, its collections underpinning much of Tasmania’s conservation, agricultural and biosecurity legislation.

The AHA joins widespread alarm over the consequences of the proposed cuts: an already stretched workforce will not be able to maintain its high conservation and exhibition standards.

TMAG cannot afford further funding reductions. Its infrastructure already faces challenges at both its Hobart and Rosny facilities.

We strongly plead for the House to call on the Government not only to maintain the funding of all

positions at TMAG but also invest further in TMAG’s historical buildings to ensure their adequacy into the future.

Kind regards,

Professor Kate Fullagar FAHA FRHistS
President

Professor Matthew Fitzpatrick
Vice-President