Mark Baker
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BRADDON

Burnie Office. Shop 2, 32 Wilmot Street Burnie • PO Box 908, Burnie, TAS 7320
Phone: (03) 6431 1333 • Fax: (03) 6431 5680 • E mail- merk.baker.ntpaaph.gov au
Canberra Office.- R2-90, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
.
16 June 2006

Mr Mike Woods
Tasmanian Freight Subsidy Inquiry Productivity Commission PO Box 80
Belconnen ACT 2616
Dear Mr Woods,

Re: Submission to the Tasmanian Freight Subsidy Inquiry

Please accept the following as a brief submission to the Tasmanian Freight Subsidy Inquiry on behalf of constituents of my electorate of Braddon.

In principle, I fully support the current arrangements for subsidising containerised and bulk shipping between Tasmania and the mainland.

The existing freight equalisation schemes are critical In responding effectively to the freight cost disadvantage that exists for Tasmanian businesses compared to their interstate counterparts.

Any proposed changes to the schemes must not disadvantage Tasmanian exporters and Importers, but rather enhance their business,

Further, special attention must be given in any review of the existing freight equalisation schemes to the particular needs of the Bass Strait islands, especially, in my electorate, to King Island.

Tasmania, and particularly its Bass Strait islands, are uniquely reliant on shipping.

I would like to add that I have been provided with a copy of the King island Council's submission and believe that the issues it raises should be given a great deal of consideration,

As the Federal Member for Braddon, I will maintain a strong interest In the progress of this Inquiry.

Yours sincerely,
 
Mark Baker MP
Federal Member for Braddon