The Tasmanian Government has welcomed the Federal Liberal Opposition's announcement that will see a boost to the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme.
Minister for Transport, Eric Abetz, said the Tasmanian Government had long recognised this critical scheme required significant improvements to benefit Tasmanian businesses.
"We strongly welcome the Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton's, commitment to increase the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme pending a full review of the Scheme," Minister Abetz said.
"I have long been arguing that this Scheme is out-of-date and increases the cost of living in Tasmania.
"This commitment aligns with our Government's Team Tasmania 2025 Economic Priorities and I welcome Mr Dutton's leadership on this matter.
"As an island state, Tasmania relies on sea freight to move 99 per cent of goods, with the cost of shipping directly impacting on the cost of doing business and the cost of living.
"This commitment ensures that Tasmanian producers, businesses and our economy can continue to grow and thrive.
"It is now incumbent on the Federal Labor Government to match this commitment, and I call on the Tasmanian Labor Leader, Dean Winter, to break his deafening silence on this issue and publicly support our Tasmanian businesses and jobs which rely on the scheme.
"The TFES is especially important for businesses located in regional areas involved in agriculture, mining and forestry; materially boosting employment, Gross State Product and investment in Tasmania."
