SENATOR THE HON RICHARD COLBECK
Senator for Tasmania
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation, Industry and Science
M E D I A R E L E A S E
14 March, 2012
Labor inflicts more shipping pain on Tasmania
It will be even tougher for Tasmanian businesses to stay afloat if the Federal Government proceeds with the proposed Coastal Trading Bill 2012, Tasmanian Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck said.
“A report released today shows an increase in costs for dry bulk goods of 16 per cent as a result of this legislation, which will impact on coal, cement, aluminium, minerals and fertiliser,” Senator Colbeck said.
“This spells even further trouble for companies like Nystar and Cement Australia and, of course, our farmers.
“Fuel companies have also told us that Tasmania will be extraordinarily exposed to volatility in fuel prices and surety of supply as a consequence of this Bill.
“One wonders how many hits Labor believe industry in Australia, and particularly Tasmania, can take.
“Tasmanian businesses are about to take a big hit from the Carbon Tax, which will impose higher electricity, transport and shipping costs.
“Tasmanian industry is already facing additional shipping costs as a result of the Carbon Tax, a new Melbourne port fee, and the loss of an export service. Now they have another impost.
“Does Labor understand the cumulative impact of these extra costs?
“Labor talks of the opportunity for agriculture in Tasmania yet continues to burden farmers with additional costs.
“Our farmers will be hit with a double whammy. They will be paying more for grain, fuel and fertiliser that comes into the State and product they are selling will have a transport premium attached to it, making it less attractive to buyers who can get it cheaper elsewhere.
“How can our farmers possibly stay viable in such conditions?
“There are a number of important businesses assessing their future in Tasmania at the moment and the additional costs brought about by this legislation will make life even harder and their businesses less viable,” Senator Colbeck said.
Senator Richard Colbeck
