Peter Gutwein,Premier
The Tasmanian Liberal Government has worked with our Federal colleagues to deliver a significantly expanded and supercharged Business Support Package, which has been warmly welcomed by businesses and stakeholders.
A total of $70 million is now available for Tasmanian businesses impacted by border closures, as we continue to take the necessary measures to keep COVID-19 out of our State and keep Tasmanians safe.
Since announcing this additional support yesterday, we have received a very positive response:
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey called it “a lifeline for business” and said: “The three-pronged approach of waiving operating costs, scaling up cash grants and payroll tax relief will not only help businesses survive the next couple of months, it will help boost confidence across the economy.”
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Luke Martin said: “The scale of the investment also reflects the Government’s confidence in our visitor economy to bounce out of COVID quickly and strongly – this should give heart to everyone involved in the industry.”
Tasmanian Small Business Council CEO Robert Mallett said the increased support package “will assist thousands of Tasmanian businesses” and that it “will provide a much needed lifeline leading into the coming summer months.”
Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys said: “This package is there to support the workforce and to keep those people employed.”
We are strongly supporting the recovery of our businesses affected by lockdowns on the mainland, and this package will provide the certainty they need, and to rebuild confidence.
Yesterday’s NAB Business Survey for August was another confidence booster for our businesses and the community, confirming once again that our plan to secure Tasmania’s future is working.
The survey found Tasmanian businesses are the most confident in the country and that Tasmania has the best conditions for business in the nation.
We know it has been an incredibly tough time for businesses and the community through the pandemic, which is why our Government last year provided the highest level of support for businesses per capita of any jurisdiction, and we continue to provide high levels of support as we continue our pathway out of the pandemic.
