Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Tasmanian vehicle owners are taking advantage of the Tasmanian Liberal Government's action to introduce quarterly payments for light vehicle registrations, making payments easier.
We know bills for six monthly or yearly car registration can be tough on household budgets, especially those on low incomes, which is why on 1 July 2021 we moved to make vehicle registrations easier to pay, easier to budget, and importantly, easier to keep cars registered and insured.
Delivering on our commitment from the election earlier this year, Tasmanian drivers now have the option to pay their registration bill quarterly, or to continue with either six monthly or yearly payments – providing cost-effective options to reduce the financial burden on Tasmanians.
An important component of our election commitment was to review and modernise the fee structure to provide further relief for Tasmanians. We have delivered on this commitment, reducing the administration fee, removing the MAIB surcharge, and legislating to ensure the $20 yearly stamp duty is spread across the year rather than having to be paid upon every transaction.
Being able to make payments in quarterly instalments reduces bill shock and having to find a significant amount for six monthly or yearly payments.
I'm pleased that the quarterly payment option has proven popular with 16,772 Tasmanians taking up the payment option since it came into effect on July 1, 2021.
We are also continuing to look at ways we can introduce more frequent car registration payments - such as monthly or fortnightly – and we will consult with community advocacy groups to assess the level of need and suitability.
This initiative provides meaningful and practical financial relief for many Tasmanians, and we are proud to have delivered on our commitment that reduces cost of living pressures on Tasmanians and secures their future.
