Following the first annual review of the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme (BSPVES), the financial assistance it provides has been lifted.

From 1 July 2009, the Scheme’s maximum rebates will be set at:

* The rebate paid is limited to the ferry operator’s vehicle fare for that particular type of passenger vehicle.

The Scheme is critical to the Tasmanian economy, particularly the Island’s tourism industry.

Last year in our first Budget we honoured our election pledge in full, increasing the standard motor car rebate from $168 to $180 for a one way trip and committing to the annual indexation of the rebates.

The Scheme was introduced to reduce the cost of seagoing travel by assisting with the fees charged for transporting eligible vehicles across Bass Strait. The rebate is provided to the drivers of eligible passenger vehicles in the form of a reduction in the fare charged by service providers.

Last financial year, more than $30 million in rebates were paid out.