Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES) is an Australian Government program providing Tasmanian industries with equal opportunities to compete in other markets. It reduces the cost of transporting freight across Bass Strait for Tasmanian shippers who are not able use road or rail to move their goods interstate.

Andrew Smith from Willie Smith's explains the benefits of the TFES and how it works.

Eligibility

There are 3 categories that you can apply for:

• northbound goods (Tasmania to mainland Australia)
• southbound goods (mainland Australia to Tasmania), covering 2 sub categories:
  • manufacturing and mining
  • primary production
• Intrastate – main island of Tasmania and King Island/the Furneaux Group

Assistance may also be available for sportspersons, professional entertainers and for transporting brood mares.

Full eligibility criteria can be found in the Ministerial Directions (MDs), which governs the TFES: https://infrastructure.gov.au/maritime/tasmanian-transport-schemes/tasmanian/

The person who pays the costs of shipping is eligible to claim assistance.

Companies may also apply to act as a claims agent in order to apply for assistance on behalf of their customers.

Making a claim

The Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the TFES on behalf of the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities.

Claim forms are on the DHS website. Claims must be submitted within 6 months of date of shipment together with supporting documents.  

Further information

If you have any questions or need assistance with the claim form, a TFES customer service officer is happy to help.

Phone 131 158 option 4

Email: tfes.support@humanservices.gov.au.
www.humanservices.gov.au/tfes

Freight and Supply Chain Information

The Freight Expert Advisory Panel (FEAP) was established in 2014 to provide freight and supply chain advice to small and medium businesses in Tasmania.

FEAP have developed some helpful information sheets to assist businesses.