The Tasmanian and Commonwealth Governments have worked together to deliver a significantly expanded and supercharged support program for Tasmanian businesses with a total of $70 million now available for operators impacted by border closures.
The existing Business Support Package will be boosted from $20 million to $50 million, jointly funded by the Tasmanian and Morrison Governments, with grants up to $50,000 to be available to eligible businesses across two funding rounds.
On top of this, the Tasmanian Government will also provide around $20 million in financial relief for eligible businesses through waiving fees and charges such as payroll tax, vehicle registration and passenger transport accreditation fees, and license fees payable to Parks & Wildlife.
This massive boost in support follows the unprecedented $130 million package provided to Tasmanian businesses during the height of the pandemic last year and is designed to support businesses through until travel restrictions ease across the country when vaccination rates are met in line with the national plan.
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said:
"There is no doubt the current border restrictions are having a significant impact on many of our businesses that rely on interstate and overseas visitation and trade, and while the initial support package has been successful in providing relief, we know that more needs to be done.
"We have worked closely with the Federal Government and the industry in recent weeks to identify further assistance and this increase in funding, combined with our payroll tax and fees and charges relief, will significantly increase the financial support available to businesses and help them through this difficult time.
"The $50 million business support package will provide total grants of up to $50,000 based on annual turnover, with two funding rounds, the first in October and the second in November.
"Importantly, businesses that have already been deemed eligible for support through the initial $20 million package will automatically receive the next payment in line with the new maximum grant amounts.
"Our additional support also includes:
- payroll tax relief for tourism and hospitality industry businesses where there has been a 30 per cent reduction in turnover in the September 2021 quarter;
- waiving vehicle registration and passenger transport accreditation fees for vehicles including taxis, luxury hire cars, tour operator buses and rental car operators for renewal notices received between 1 July until 31 December 2021; and
- waiving the license fees payable to Parks & Wildlife which removed a significant burden for tourism businesses operating within Tasmania's Parks."
The Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said this package comes on top of the Morrison Government's $2.9 billion in direct economic support to Tasmanian households and businesses since the start of the pandemic.
"Tourism and hospitality businesses have done it particularly tough as Tasmania feels the impact of lockdowns in neighbouring states.
"That's why the Morrison Government is increasing support to these businesses and industries that need it most.
"Already, the Commonwealth in partnership with the State Government, committed $20 million to small and medium sized businesses.
"But there is light at the end of the tunnel. By sticking to the National Plan, agreed to by State and Territory leaders, we can safely ease restrictions and open up our economy.
"And as we progress towards our vaccinations targets of 70 to 80 per cent, the Morrison Government will continue to work closely with the Gutwein Government to support Tasmanian businesses through this challenging time.
"We will continue to work with the Gutwein Government to ensure the Tasmanian economy bounces back."
There is no greater supporter of Tasmanian businesses than the Tasmanian and Commonwealth Liberal Governments. The massive support packages that have been provided in just over 12 months are a clear indicator of that support.
Full details about the program can be accessed on the Business Tasmania web site, with eligible businesses able to apply immediately.
