Rockliff Must Come Clean on Former State Growth Secretary’s Paid Leave

MEDIA RELEASE 22 JULY 2026

Rockliff Must Come Clean on Former State Growth Secretary’s Paid Leave 

There remains ongoing public concern about the position of the Secretary of the Department of State Growth. 

It is something I have raised in the public interest on a number of occasions, since Secretary Craig Limkin went on leave as soon as the Premier made his surprise announcement to disband the Department of State Growth to make way for Building Tasmania. It is understood Mr Limkin has remained on paid leave ever since. 

I have raised this issue with the Premier in Parliament and at meetings, but without a clear response.

At Budget Estimates, the Premier stated that Mr Limkin would remain on leave until early July. 

It is now well beyond that time. While I respect Mr Limkin’s right to privacy, when you are paid more than the Premier and run the largest department in the State Government, you can legitimately expect a high degree of public scrutiny. 

It is entirely reasonable for the Tasmanian public to ask whether they are continuing to pay his substantial fortnightly salary, given he has not worked since 7 March 2026, and his department no longer exists. 

Premier Rockliff must be forthcoming with information in the public interest on this matter and resolve it as soon as possible