Abbott pledges Bass Strait review

The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, commented on the Prime Minister’s response to his question on Bass Strait transport costs.

“The Prime Minister’s commitment today to his election promise regarding Bass Strait is welcome. Just before the federal election the Coalition promised to conduct a Productivity Commission and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission review into Tasmania’s shipping costs, and his statement today to in fact do so is good news for Tasmania.

“Provided the review has a broad mandate to inquire into all elements of Bass Strait transport and the Government commits to act on the final recommendation it promises to be an eventual resolution to this pressing matter.

“The cost of getting people, vehicles and freight in and out of the State, including to and from international markets, is the most significant brake on the Tasmanian economy and the Productivity Commission and ACCC are well placed to look in to the matter.

“The Prime Minister’s answer also contained a commitment to the broader Coalition Economic Growth Plan for Tasmania, and in particular funding to extend the runway at Hobart Airport. This is also a welcome development because the expansion of Hobart Airport will enable it to become a genuine international gateway for people and produce.”

Earlier on Tasmanian Times, Peter Brohier: The Question of Bass Strait