The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, the Productivity Commission Draft Report into Tasmanian Shipping and Freight
“I welcome the release of the Productivity Commission Draft Report into Tasmanian Shipping and Freight. It’s positive the PC is looking into the problems with Bass Strait,” Mr Wilkie said.
“But what we need is action and I am concerned that the thrust of the draft report is that there should be even more investigation. The time for talk is long past because businesses and travellers are being hammered by crippling costs which must be brought down now.
“Moreover there are no hard recommendations in the draft on expanding the scheme to assist exports bound for international markets. This has been a major complaint of many Tasmanian businesses and must be addressed urgently.
“I am also deeply concerned by the suggestion that the subsidy for inbound passenger vehicles be abolished. It is already difficult enough for mainland tourists to visit Tasmania by sea, which is often the preferred way for large families and anyone planning a caravanning holiday.
“Reducing or abolishing the subsidy would spell the end of many interstate visits. To make the barrier for tourism even greater would be simply madness.”
• Back to basics on freight equalisation – TFGA
• Nick McKim: Bass Strait needs to be recognised as national highway
