Release Date: 26/11/2014
Negotiations to return an export shipping service to Tasmania is welcomed by peak industry body, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Today’s announcement in parliament that the service be returned early next year will be a confidence booster for the state exporters.
TCCI CEO Michael Bailey said the announcement was a positive step toward reconnecting with an export service which ended in April 2011, at a huge cost to exporters and damaged our competitive trade position. The majority of export shipping now goes through the Port of Melbourne to connect with export services adding additional costs which are carried by the Tasmanian producers.
“Our preferred outcome would be for the Federal Government to support an extension of the Freight Equalisation scheme to include exports but today’s announcement is a step in the right direction.
“Exporters have been frustrated by the lack of action to replace the shipping service, or government change to the FES, so today’s positive decision will certainly help confidence and provide cost relief to some exporters.
“I understand the Federal Government is unlikely to support the extension of the Freight Equalisation scheme to include exports but we will be seeking discussion and a full explanation from government.”
Mr Bailey said it was essential that Tasmanian Federal government members continue to lobby for the change, as well as pushing for reform of the coastal trading laws.
“This should be a bi-partisan approach, and I release there are challenges to achieve this outcome but it is imperative the 12 Tasmanian Senators stand up to support competitive fairness for Tasmanian exporters.”
Contact: TCCI Chair Susan Parr 0417 563 405