The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the successful passage through the Lower House of their motion calling for broad consultation on strengthening the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES).
Greens Infrastructure spokesperson Tim Morris MP said that at the State level there needs to be an investigation into inefficiencies in Tasmania’s freight transport, as a part of a long-term strategy to address problems with the TFES and to bring down business costs.
“The Greens welcome both Labor and Liberal parties’ support for our call for a formal state consultation process to be established in order for further information and options to be put before the Commonwealth,” Mr Morris said.
“Strengthening the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme is critical to freight equity, but it is not the only option available to help bring down Bass Strait shipping costs.”
“The productivity and efficiency of the whole logistics chain in Tasmania needs to be examined to identify options for cost reductions in getting products to and from markets interstate and overseas.”
“We need to pull together and find a long term solution which minimises the additional cost of moving freight to and from Melbourne, over and above the notional cost of moving it by road or rail.”
“Whilst the Minister is talking to Infrastructure Australia, who are expected to report back to the Federal Minister on policy options, the Greens believe it is important that there is also a broader and more open discussion with stakeholders.”
“The Parliament voting in support of the Greens’ constructive initiative to ensure this focus is put on addressing Bass strait inequities is a welcome step in the right direction,” Mr Morris said.
Text of Greens’ Motion passed with tripartite support:
Mr Morris to move—That the House:—
(1) Recognises that there is tripartite support for the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme, but notes growing calls for the scheme to be reviewed and reformed because of the transformation in our economy and the loss of the direct export shipping
service of containers;
(2) Notes that there have been changes to container shipping services that have left some freight exporters at a competitive disadvantage because of Bass Strait and that some of these should be considered for inclusion in the Scheme;
(3) Believes that there is a case to be made for consideration of the inclusion of both passengers and some air freight to be included in the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme;
(4) Calls on the Minister for Infrastructure to:—
(a) initiate a State formal consultation process with stakeholders; and
(b) produce a consultation draft report that details all the sectors that rely on crossing Bass Strait that are disadvantaged because of the extra expense that is unavoidable compared with the other States that would lead to a comprehensive request to the Australian Government to formally review the Scheme.
Earlier on Tasmanian Times: Brown gives Treasurer Bass Strait plea, with links to earlier Peter Brohier analysis – Fairly linking Bass Strait is critical for Tasmania
