Help for Stranded Tasmanians

Media release – Peter Gutwein, Premier, 25 August 2020

Support for Tasmanians overseas

The Tasmanian Liberal Government understands that there are still Tasmanians wishing to return from overseas amidst the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is why, from today a new contact point will be established to assist Tasmanians who are wanting to come home from overseas.

This will assist the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPAC) in providing support and advocacy on Tasmanian’s behalf to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

While the Federal Government is responsible for assisting all Australians who are overseas to return home, the new contact point will provide support to Tasmanians at a local level, with the ability to work with our Federal counterparts at DFAT to seek information and follow-up for Tasmanians.

If you are a Tasmanian trying to return from overseas and wish to raise an issue you are experiencing contact: overseastraveller@dpac.tas.gov.au

Media release – Madeleine Ogilvie MP, Independent Member for Clark, 25 August 2020

KEY POINT OF CONTACT FOR TASMANIANS OVERSEAS WELCOME

Madeleine Ogilvie MP, Independent Member for Clark today welcomed the announcement by the Government of a direct point of contact for Tasmanians stuck overseas, to help them get home.

“Last week in Parliament I asked the Premier to look into providing Tasmanians who are stranded overseas, a single point of contact, to make a highly stressful and confusing process easier. I am pleased to see that he has delivered, in what is a welcome announcement today,” Ms Ogilvie said.

“My office has been contacted by many Tasmanians who are still stuck overseas, we have had some great successes, but there is more to be done. This announcement will provide people with hope.

“I have written to the ACCC to request their urgent review of pricing of scarce international seats. I am concerned that Tasmanians are being unnecessarily delayed, whilst airlines seek business class fares, because they cannot afford to pay.

“I want to reiterate to any Tasmanian stranded overseas, I am here to help, so please reach out if you need assistance.”