Tasmanian Labor calls on the State Government to ensure it gets funding out the door to East Coast businesses quickly, as business, staff and the community are already feeling the impact of the Tasman Highway closure.
Acting Labor Leader Anita Dow said Labor was glad the Government was finally providing financial support to businesses and staff impacted by the closure, but stressed this support must be swift.
"The hardship program needs to be rolled out fast, businesses simply cannot afford to wait for this support," Ms Dow said.
"Not only have businesses and their workers been hit by the economic impacts of COVID but they are now facing another significant challenge and it is important the Government continues to work closely with them to support them through this incredibly difficult time.
"The initial funding of $1 million for hardship grants is significant and businesses must be assured the level of support will continue to be assessed as time goes on, including improvements to or an extension of this package."
Ms Dow said today's announcement of a timeline for reopening the road was a surprise.
"Yesterday I attended a briefing from the Department of State Growth with other MPs and representatives.
"In this briefing the Government failed to provide us with a timeline on when the road would re-open and therefore it is quite surprising that today the Minister is able to confirm these details, a day later.
"This crucial time frame will allow businesses to have a timeline to work towards with the reopening currently marked for mid-July.
"Labor also continues to question the community consultation that occurred prior to closing the Tasman Highway and would like the Government to outline its plan to ensure such a significant shutdown can be avoided in the future."
Anita Dow MP
Acting Labor Leader
