The shield features significant examples of Tasmanian industry: a sheaf of wheat, hops, a ram and apples.

It is surmounted by a red lion that also features on the state badge.

The shield is supported by two thylacines (Tasmanian tigers/wolves) with a motto beneath, Ubertas et Fidelitas, which is Latin for "Fertility and Faithfulness".

[1] The formal description, or blazon, of the arms is: Quarterly Gules and barry wavy Argent and Azure a Fesse of the second charged with a Ram statant proper between in chief a Garb and a Thunderbolt and in base four Apples and a Branch of Hops all Or; For the Crest on a Wreath Argent and Gules: A Lion passant Gules resting the dexter forepaw on a Spade and a Pick-axe in saltire proper; And for Supporters, on either side A Tasmanian Tiger proper, with the Motto "Ubertas et Fidelitas".

It has been replaced for the most part by the new government logo of a Tasmanian tiger peeking through tall grass.