Labor celebrates bare minimum on freight scheme

From today, Tassie businesses will receive increased subsidies under the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES).

Senator Tammy Tyrrell, Independent Senator for Tasmania, established and chaired a Senate Committee into TFES last year. Senator Tyrrell says she’s proud her work has secured an initial increase for businesses and farmers. 

“My Senate Committee has led to the first pay increase for producers and businesses in years. This is what happens when an independent actually listens to what the community needs and takes action.” 

However, Senator Tyrrell says this is just the start of reforms needed to make the scheme fit for purpose. 

“Labor’s giving themselves a pat on the back for doing the bare minimum. They’ve promised a review we don’t need and they haven’t started yet. 

“This is a broken scheme that’s sending Tasmania backwards. I’ve put forward changes to make the scheme faster, cheaper and easier to use. We need staff on the ground to help Tasmanians use this clunky scheme. Air freight should be included in the scheme and it should sit under one government department, not two. 

“The Tasmanian State Parliament unanimously backed a motion supporting my suggested changes to the scheme. Maybe Federal Labor should listen to their Tasmanian counterparts.

“It’s time for real action on this freight scheme to help Tasmanians with the cost of living.” 

Click here for more information about Senator Tyrrell’s suggested reforms to the scheme.