Our input to the the Economic Reform Roundtable in Canberra

TMEC welcomes the opportunity to put forward a compelling case for urgent freight, energy and skills reforms that could boost Tasmania’s GDP by up to $1.5B a year.

The Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Federal Government’s Economic Reform Roundtable fact-finding in the regions being held at Devonport with Anne Urquhart MP hosting a visit by the Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, The Hon Tim Ayres MP.

This provides an opportunity for Tasmania’s export leading sector to have input ahead of the Roundtable being chaired by the Treasurer in Canberra from 19 – 21 August 2025.

The CEO of TMEC, Ray Mostogl said, “Regional areas often have a smaller range of economic drivers than urban areas, therefore federal government policy settings are more influential to the overall performance. Tasmania being an island adds another layer which impedes productivity”. Ray went on to say, “TMEC will be advocating for an urgent full implementation of all freight related recommendations from the 2024 Senate Enquiry. Freight impacts every resident and business in Tasmania. Effective policy which results in consumers paying less for freight lifts productivity.

TMEC is also calling for reform of how the National Energy Market is perversely driving up cost of Tasmanian electricity, despite being mostly renewable from established assets. This is particularly the case for every resident right through to the major industrial consumers”. Expanding Commonwealth – Funded VET and Apprenticeship Incentives and increasing R&D and Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) support for Tasmanian businesses can drive employment and innovation.

Collectively, the reforms could raise Tasmania’s GDP by 2.3% – 3.9% (~$0.9 – $1.5B annually).

Smarter

Decarbonisation is a complicated but essential transition in a fight that affects everyone in any part of the world…climate change. For Tasmania this affects the economy, people, and our global opportunity. Tasmania has been a leader and we should be helping the rest of the world decarbonise.

Cleaner

Renewable energy is a critical part of the fight against climate change. Tasmania delivers these projects to the highest of standards and we’re currently one of few Net Zero jurisdictions in the world which means any product or energy created in Tasmania will start its life cleaner than anything made in most other parts of the world. We should be proud of that advantage but we cannot be complacenet.

Diverse

Great minds and diverse perspectives serve as a chance for more Tasmanians to be part of collective solutions and meaninful action. When we appreciate diverse views and look for common ground, we can ensure Tasmania stops falling behind. We must collaborate and work together.