Senator Anthony Chisholm
Assistant Minister for Regional Development
Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Assistant Minister for Resources
Deputy Manager of Government Business in the Senate
Julie Collins MP
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Member for Franklin
Anne Urquhart MP
Member for Braddon
Senator Richard Dowling
Senator for Tasmania
REVIEW TO ENSURE A STRONG FREIGHT FUTURE FOR
TASMANIA
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm, has visited Tasmanian producers, farmers and manufacturers this week as the government’s review into the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme continues.
Senator Chisholm has met with businesses across Tasmania’s diverse economy, including the Boyer Paper Mill, Pure Foods Tasmania, BioMar and Fruit Growers Tasmania.
TFES financially supports Tasmanian freight, including the state’s world-class produce, and passengers to cross the Bass Strait.
Since July 2025, Tasmanian businesses have already been benefitting from a 25 per cent increase in assistance rates under the scheme – putting more money in their back pockets at a time it’s needed most.
The Albanese Labor Government is providing this additional $95 million to increase assistance for Tassie producers, and an independent review of the scheme.
The review will consider if TFES could better support local businesses, including farmers and producers, to compete in domestic and other markets.
The review is being carried out by independent reviewers Dr David Parmeter and Dr Jenny Gordon.
Collectively, the TFES and Bass Straight have delivered more than $6 billion to Tasmanian businesses since their introduction in 1976 and 1996 respectively.
A final review report and recommendations to the government are expected in the first half of 2026.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm:
“It’s been a really insightful few days meeting with Tassie farmers and businesses and hearing about the issues that matter to them.
“It’s clear they all share a passion for sharing Tasmania’s premium produce with the mainland and the world.
“Tasmanian businesses rightly deserve a level playing field when it comes to sending their produce overseas, but also when it comes to importing goods to maintain their business at home.
“This review is all about ensuring the TFES continues to deliver tangible benefits for Tasmanian businesses and sustains them for many years to come.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Member for Franklin Julie Collins:
“This consultation process delivers on the Albanese Labor Government's commitment to Tasmanian farmers and producers before the election.
“A strong and reliable shipping sector supports local jobs across Tasmania— which is why we are investing an additional $95 million into the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme over the next two years.
“I look forward to the findings of the review and continuing our work to secure a strong future for Tasmanian farmers and producers.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Braddon Anne Urquhart:
“For the community of Braddon, freight isn’t just a business cost it’s a lifeline. From our farmers and manufacturers on the Northwest Coast to producers on King Island, the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme plays a critical role in keeping local industries competitive and jobs secure.
On King Island in particular, where isolation adds another layer of cost and complexity, getting freight settings right is essential. Whether it’s moving world-class beef and dairy to mainland markets or bringing essential goods back to the island, TFES must properly recognise the unique challenges our island and regional communities face.
This review is about making sure the scheme works as intended delivering real support to Braddon businesses, strengthening regional supply chains and backing the communities that power Tasmania’s economy.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania Richard Dowling:
“TFES is one of the key policy levers supporting Tasmania’s economic competitiveness.
“This review is about keeping it fit-for-purpose for today’s economy so Tasmanian exporters can compete on merit, and so imports are properly captured too, because freight costs show up in the cost of living.”
“I’m encouraged by how many local businesses have had their say. Their experience is essential, because the scheme has to work in the real world both for the companies selling into mainland markets, and for Tasmanian consumers who feel freight costs in everyday prices.”
FRIDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2026
