With the Tasmanian Government likely to announce a further support package in coming days, the Property Council is calling for State and Local Government to pull out all the stops when it comes to providing relief for Tasmanians.
Tasmanian Executive Director of the Property Council, Brian Wightman, said there was an urgent need to take the pressure of Tasmanians at this critical time.
“The Coronavirus is firstly a health issue but it’s also devastating for the economy. We need to seriously consider any steps that could help Tasmanians cope with this unprecedented pandemic,” Mr. Wightman said.
“There are three levers that State and Local Governments can pull. Rates relief, Land Tax relief and utility bills relief should be front and centre of any support package.
“At the moment, local councils are introducing a patchwork of support, with some councils going further than others. The community needs certainty and consistency at this difficult time and we need local councils to talk to each other and take a Team Tasmania approach.
“The State Government needs to work with the publicly owned energy and water and sewerage businesses to develop a comprehensive package of support. Many Tasmanians are already struggling and if utilities take a business as usual approach and start sending out bills now it could be the straw that breaks the back of many Tasmanians financially.”
Mr. Wightman said the Property Council stands ready to work with the Tasmanian Government and the entire community in these extraordinary times.
