The Hodgman Liberal Government has a strong working relationship with our Federal Liberal colleagues, and this relationship is delivering real investment and outcomes for Tasmania.
On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I would like to welcome the extension of an important scheme which will benefit Tasmanian exporters.
This week’s Federal Budget extends the important Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES) by a further two years, meaning the scheme will continue until at least 30 June 2022.
This is great news for Tasmanian businesses and industries which utilise the TFES to get their exceptional products and fresh produce to the eager international market.
The extension sees Tasmania benefit to the tune of up to $175 million per year to 2021-22.
Established by the former Fraser Coalition Government in 1976, the TFES was designed to offset some of the freight cost disadvantage for Tasmanian businesses associated with Bass Strait shipping.
This most recent expansion of the TFES is fair recognition of the disadvantage Tasmanian businesses face when seeking access to interstate markets.
As a Government, we will continue to fight for the best possible outcomes for Tasmanians, as we have done in this case.