List of recommendations

Recommendation 1

4.17The committee recommends that the Australian Government undertake a review of the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme with consideration given to:

the original policy intent of the Scheme and whether it remains fit for purpose;

options to alleviate the freight cost disadvantage incurred by shippers of eligible non-bulk goods between Tasmania, inclusive of the Bass Strait islands and the mainland; and

the rates of assistance available and the class scale system.

Recommendation 2

4.18The committee recommends that, in the review of Government Business Enterprises currently being conducted by the Tasmanian Government, the following factors be considered in consultation with key port stakeholders:

the primary role of TasPorts be; to provide the most efficient and cost effective facilitation of trade; and

the role of TasPorts as a shipping operator given the National Competition Policy complications and additional costs generated.

Recommendation 3

4.19The committee recommends that Services Australia develop clear and succinct guidance material and support services, including audiovisual user guides and instructions, and a dedicated phone line, to support claimants to better understand their likely eligibility under the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme to lodge accurate and timely claims.

Recommendation 4

4.20The committee recommends that Services Australia develop an online claims calculator tool with the functionality to estimate the approximate value of prospective claims to assist prospective claimants to better understand their likely eligibility under the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme.

Recommendation 5

4.21The committee recommends that the Australian Government commission the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to review the competitiveness of trade on Bass Strait and to the Bass Strait islands, considering both sea and air freight, including the rationale behind commodity pricing for the fresh produce sector.