Opened the debate
Urquhart reported that a local productivity forum emphasised the critical role of the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme in offsetting sea-freight disadvantages for island businesses. Urquhart noted that the government had increased funding by $95 million and raised assistance rates by 25 per cent, with a comprehensive review of the scheme underway. Urquhart stated that forum participants supported reducing regulatory complexity, lowering production costs, and harmonising planning systems to boost housing approvals. Urquhart argued that economic reforms must benefit the broader community and ensure fairer outcomes for working people. Additionally, she urged Bendigo Bank to reverse its decision to close the Queenstown branch, citing the lack of alternative banking services in the region.