Freight scheme review

THE Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme that applies to the Bass Strait islands is to be reviewed. 

The review follows Flinders Island Mayor Rachel Summers and King Island Mayor Marcus Blackie successfully advocating in Canberra at the Australian Local Government Association conference. 

More than 1200 local government leaders from across Australia gathered in Canberra from July 2 to 4 for the 30th National General Assembly of Local Government. 

“We were received by the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King who is responsible for the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES) and the Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Don Farrell,” King Island Mayor Marcus Blackie said. 

“Assistant Federal Transport Minister Senator Carol Brown subsequently informed us that the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme will be reviewed, especially for the King and Flinders Islands application, resulting from our united visit. 

“The TFES review team will visit King Island in early September. 

“This is a huge win that has come from this week and a great opportunity for King Island to alleviate many of our current shipping and cost of freight issues moving forward,” Mr Blackie said.

The National General Assembly organised by ALGA, is the most influential local government conference in Australia. 

Held annually in Canberra, it brings together representatives from councils across all states and territories. 

The NGA provides a unique platform for political leaders, experts, and local government colleagues to collaborate, share knowledge, and shape Australia’s future. 

Many federal members of parliament attended and spoke at the NGA or associated events. More than 1,200 local government leaders and delegates, representing 537 local governments and territories received a presentation on new local government financial sustainability research, which highlighted that sustainable federal funding to councils would deliver a $7 billion increase to Australia’s GDP. 

The 2024 National State of the Assets report was also launched, outlining the condition of one-third of Australia’s public infrastructure, which is part of the $643 billion worth of assets councils manage. 

This new research reinforces the urgent need for federal Financial Assistance Grants to local government to be restored to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.