Cuthbertson Bros have welcomed the Liberal Party promise to underwrite an
international shipping service from Tasmania to Asia.
Managing Director, Doug Dickenson said the move was a major step forward in
revitalising the Tasmanian economy and would help stimulate further jobs and
investment in the state.
“It has been nearly two years since a direct international shipping service was lost
and this has imposed a huge additional costs on Tasmanian exporters at a time
when they need it the least,” Mr Dickenson said.
“Tasmanian manufacturers and those in primary production depend on exports to
generate wealth and employment in this state. It is the cornerstone of our economy,
but without a viable export link, all Tasmania suffers.”
Mr Dickenson said currently the added costs of shipping across Bass Strait provides
Victorian businesses with at least an $850 per container advantage in the
marketplace over their Tasmanian rivals.
“As a small state, an export industry is vital to the Tasmanian economy and if we are
to break the economic cycle in Tasmania, we must have a replacement vessel
operating to Asia as soon as possible.
“Exporters can not wait for a Government committee to come up with
recommendations, it will be too late for a number of exporters.
“We know what the problem is and the Liberals have acted, so we would call for bipartisan
support so we can get our international export industry operating at full
capacity,” Mr Dickenson said.
Cuthbertson Bros. are a proud family owned Tasmanian business. Since being
established in the 1850’s, they have been involved in tanning leathers and the
making of footwear. They are Tasmania’s largest exporters of cattle hides and
lambskins.
Cuthbertson Bros Managing Director, Doug Dickenson
