27 March 2020

Michael Ferguson, Minister for Finance

Supporting our industries

The Tasmanian Liberal Government’s Social and Economic Support Package, announced yesterday, outlines significant support for vital industries in our state.

Combined with the Support and Stimulus Package announced last week, it totals nearly $1 billion.

We want to provide support to our important industries through these incredibly challenging times so they’re in a better position to be with us through the recovery.

Our support package includes:

• Tourism and Hospitality Support – A further $200,000 will be provided to the THA to provide business continuity and cash flow advice, increasing the funding for this initiative up to $250,000.
• Seafood and Fishery Support – The Government will provide an additional $1.8 million for fisheries fees and licence relief for 12 months. This will include:
  • $604,000 for fee relief for a range of wild fisheries licence fees, including commercial dive scallops and fishing vessels;
  • $427,000 for licence and rental fees relief for shellfish farming; and
  • $770,000 for ShellMAP Program Fee Relief.
• Creative and Cultural Industries – We will provide $1.5 million to support the Creative and Cultural industries. The programs to be funded include:
  • $500,000 for an Arts and Screen Digital Production Fund, which will enable Arts and Screen Tasmania to commission excerpts of digital versions of cancelled or postponed performing arts events and supporting recording projects of music ensembles;
  • $250,000 one-off funding for script and other development activities that are able to continue under the current restrictions;
  • $250,000 to support contemporary musicians to record music and video for digital distribution and business relaunch; and
  • $500,000 to support additional arts organisations not currently funded.
  • The Government will also extend arts organisation contracts due to expire by one year, supporting 19 organisations to manage through this period of disruption, manage cash flow and continue to employ staff where possible.
• Critical Air Freight for Industry and our Islands – We will provide $2.6 million towards air freight services for time sensitive freight, including seafood, as well as providing freight and access to our Bass Strait Islands.
• Taxi Licence Fees – The Government will waive annual taxi licence fees for the calendar year 2020 at a cost of $240,000. If licence fees have already been paid, a refund will be provided.

These are actions our Government can take to help our state through these unprecedented times. But there are critical actions Tasmanians can take as well.  Stay at home if you’re not at work or school. If you’re asked to self isolate, do it.  Practice social distancing at all times and exercise good hygiene practices.

Together we can get through this.

For more information on industry support, visit https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/stimulus-and-support/businesses-and-industries

More Media Releases from Michael Ferguson

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