Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Clark. Member for Clark, if you have any specific allegations in relation to this that you would like to be investigated, I would be very, very happy to look at them. On 7 January I announced—

Mr Marles interjecting—

I'm happy to see members in my office. I do that all the time, Member for Corio—yours, ours—to get things done. That's what the parliament's for; you may not know that. On 7 January I announced the full subsidisation of the cost, as the Prime Minister said, of transporting a standard car or bus across Bass Strait under the existing Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme, which has been successfully operating since 1996. COVID-19, of course, has significantly affected tourism in Tasmania and the number of passenger vehicles travelling across Bass Strait, which is why we've committed $6 million to bring more travellers to Tasmania, providing the kickstart to 2021 that Tasmania so desperately needs.

I met with Premier Peter Gutwein the other day whilst I was in Tasmania. Of course, I had representations from the members for Bass and Braddon and from our senators as well in the other place, who very much advocated this. Tourists who arrive on the Spirit of Tasmania stay longer, spend more and disperse further throughout Tasmania's regions. I know you would appreciate that as much as any member in this place, Member for Clark. While sea arrivals account for only 12 per cent of all visitors to Tasmania, they contribute 20 per cent of all annual visitor spend. But, I say again, if you've got any specific allegations, I'd like to hear them.

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