‘Supercharged’ business support package for Tasmanian firms
An extra $50 million will be pumped into a “supercharged” package to support Tasmanian businesses hit by pandemic shutdowns. FULL DETAILS >>
Tasmania
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THE state and federal governments will pump another $50m into business support as pandemic shutdowns in NSW and Victoria continue to impact local businesses.
Premier Peter Gutwein will today announce “a significantly expanded and supercharged”
Business Support Package will be boosted from $20 million to $50 million.
Grants of up to $50,000 to be available to eligible businesses in each round in each of two rounds of funding.
And the Tasmanian Government will also provide another $20 million in financial relief for eligible businesses through waiving fees and charges such as payroll tax, vehicle registration and passenger transport accreditation fee and license fees payable to Parks & Wildlife.
Mr Gutwein said the expansion of the program was designed to support businesses through until travel restrictions ease.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the federal government had paid out $2.9 billion in 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,” he said.
“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.”
Prior to the announcement, Labor demanded the government be more strident in its demands on the federal government.
Finance and Economic Development spokesman Dean Winter said Tasmanian businesses were in desperate need of increased support.
“It is time for Premier Peter Gutwein to step up and demand his Federal colleagues implement a JobSaver program for Tasmania,” he said.
“We know Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff wrote a congratulatory letter to Scott Morrison that included a kind request for extended COVID-19 Disaster Payments and we know Premier Peter Gutwein spoke to the Prime Minister last week.”
Mr Frydenberg said both levels of government were working together.
“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.
Budding entrepreneurs at Tassie start-up incubator get big boost
TASMANIA’S budding entrepreneurs have been given a leg up with a new grant to boost the state’s major start-up incubator.
Aurora Tasmania is backing Enterprize with a $275,000 grant to fund it’s entrepreneurial, start-up and micro business support programs in Tasmania over the next three years.
On top of the funding, Enterprize General Manager Casey Farrell, said the support and mentoring from a major Tasmanian business would be invaluable to those just starting out.
“The support from Aurora that’s coming over the next three years is really going to accelerate us into the next period of growth for the start-up ecosystem in Tasmania,” he said.
“Not only will they be providing financial support, but the in kind support of giving start-ups access to the expertise in all of Aurora’s business functions, the mentoring that’s available and the expansions of the programs into more regional areas of Tasmania, but also for more advanced start-ups is just going to be amazing.”
Aurora CEO Rebecca Kardos said Aurora was excited to help Tasmania’s next crop of aspiring entrepreneurs flourish.
“As a state we have a great opportunity to rebuild a stronger Tasmania gradually and responsibly as we recover from the impacts of the pandemic,” said Mrs Kardos.
“The next wave of innovative businesses will play a critical role in driving that.
“As a business we know that investing in innovation is how you ensure that you future proof your business.
“So investing in innovation in our community is the best thing we can do in Tasmania.”
Minister for Science and Technology Michael Ferguson said it was sometimes overlooked that Tasmania’s start-up culture punched well above its weight.
“I think this will give a lot of encouragement and inspiration to more people with great ideas: “Come and join this ecosystem come and get the free support that’s available here, cheaper and fast internet and a great community of people around you to support you with your goals.”
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