Legislative Council, Thursday 3 September 2026
Ms FORREST question to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE and TRANSPORT, Mr VINCENT
[2.50 p.m.]
Minister, I asked you a couple of questions yesterday – I think it was yesterday – regarding TT‑Line’s decision to remove the fuel levy on passengers and vehicles. I apologise; I haven’t sent anything further in writing as I had a few other things on.
My question to follow up with is, based on what the minister said yesterday, and he may have some more information today about how the costs are being managed and how this will affect cash flows and profitability of the business. According to the budget, the company receives and will continue to receive significant financial support from the government. Is this a wise decision to reduce their revenue when we’re just handing them money to make up the shortfall that they have already?
ANSWER
I haven’t had an opportunity also since the questions yesterday to get exact details, but we have highlighted that we would certainly like to have a larger conversation. I do have slightly more information. I don’t think any of this is repeat over the top of yesterday but between the 1 March and the 30 August, the total fuel price increases totalled $13.5 million and 70 per cent or $9.4 million of the price increase was attributed to passengers between the passenger and freight side of things. TT‑Line collected $6.9 million from passengers, leaving a $2.5 million shortfall, as we said yesterday.
Even though the original intent was for 100 per cent recovery, the company believes the movement surcharge before fully recovering additional costs is in the best interest of the Tasmanian visitor economy, mindful of its impact on Tasmanian visitors to the state. As the company heads into the busy high season, the board believes the time is right to remove the surcharge. And I should just say fuel is the second highest expense that TT‑Line has.
I might just add to that as well so people are aware, I’ve spent nearly all my life in business and very rarely can I think of any other occasions where I found a CEO and chair combination in a company that I’ve probably had more faith in than Chris and Ken and what they do and how they do it and how open they are in their conversations. And I can say that when we do have our meetings, especially anything that doesn’t contradict board confidentiality, is an open and frank discussion. I have highlighted your question from yesterday for further discussion and as further information comes, I will certainly be talking openly and honestly about that. As you can see from the numbers they have, there’s nothing hidden there and their style has been very open as mine is and will continue to do so. Thank you.