The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) has welcomed today’s announcement by the Tasmanian Liberals to tackle the cost of insurance.

TCCI CEO Michael Bailey said insurance costs are a growing concern for businesses across the state and that meaningful reform is needed.

“Insurance premiums have increased significantly in recent years, and that’s having a direct impact on Tasmanian businesses as well as the broader community,” Mr Bailey said.

“The business community has consistently raised insurance costs as a major issue in our quarterly Tasmanian Survey of Business Expectations. It’s an issue that’s not going away.

“Anything that brings down the cost of insurance while maintaining comprehensive and reliable coverage is absolutely welcome.

“The next Tasmanian Government must pull every lever it can to help reduce cost pressures and improve business confidence.”

Mr Bailey said the proposed savings of up to 20 per cent for small businesses under TasInsure could make a real difference.

“For many Tasmanian businesses – particularly small and regional operators – that level of saving could be the difference between staying open or shutting their doors,” he said.

“We look forward to seeing more detail on how TasInsure will operate, and will continue to engage with the next Government on how to make insurance more affordable and accessible for Tasmanian businesses.”

 

The TCCI’s election priorities are – 

1.     Budget Sustainability

o   Restore the budget to surplus through disciplined spending, fully costed savings, and backing the private-sector.

2.     Energy Policy

o   Deliver Marinus Link on schedule, invest in renewable energy, and ensure affordable power for households and businesses.

3.     Governance

o   Introduce a Government-Business Charter to prioritize local contracts, ensure stability, and reform the public sector.

4.     Cost of Doing Business

o   Review business costs and develop a cost index to address rising expenses like power, insurance, and taxes.

5.     Education and Skills

o   Increase workforce participation by addressing barriers (education, transport, health) and supporting the TCCI’s Participation Taskforce.

6.     GBEs and Public Entities

o   Reform Government Business Enterprises (GBEs) and State-owned Companies (SOCs) to align with commercial principles and review TasWater’s regulations.

7.     Health System Review

o   Establish a Commission of Inquiry to improve efficiency and sustainability in Tasmania’s health system.

8.     Infrastructure

o   Develop a priority infrastructure list to guide investments and secure federal funding.