Up to 35,000 Tasmanian small businesses are set to receive a $300 energy payment as part of the Tasmanian Liberal Government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
Visiting local businesses in Brighton on Tuesday, Minister for Small Business, Madeleine Ogilvie, said that small business is the engine room of Tasmania's economy.
"We know that many Tasmanian businesses are doing it tough with the cost of doing business rising, including petrol, food and energy," said Minister Ogilvie.
"Our supercharged Renewable Energy Dividend will deliver a $300 windfall to Tasmanian small businesses – including those who pay for power through their landlord – credited to their first bill after 30 June, providing immediate relief for their upcoming winter bills.
"The Tasmanian Government wants small businesses to know we are their biggest champion, and we will continue to ensure Tasmania has the business conditions they need to grow and prosper."
The Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, said the one-off payment follows on from the Government's existing Renewable Energy Dividend that delivers a share back into the pockets of Tasmanians when Hydro returns in excess of $90 million.
"Given the current pressures Tasmanian small businesses are facing, primarily as a result of inflationary pressures and rising interest rates, the Tasmanian Liberal Government is supercharging the Renewable Energy Dividend, which also includes a $250 payment to 254,000 households," said Minister Duigan.
"While Tasmanians have enjoyed the lowest regulated electricity prices in the nation, supported by our concessions, we know many are still feeling the pinch.
"That's why 254,000 Tasmanian households and around 35,000 small businesses will benefit from the re-elected Liberal Government's supercharged Renewable Energy Dividend."
On top of the supercharged Renewable Energy Dividend, other assistance measures for Tasmania's small business sector include:
- Helping small businesses save money by becoming more energy with interest-free loans for upgrades through the Energy Saver Loan Scheme;
- Slashing red tape for small businesses by introducing single form tendering for all tenders under $250,000;
- Delivering a new $1 million grant program to support small businesses to thrive and innovate within their local communities; and
- Delivering a new multicultural grants program.
