The Tasmanian 2025-26 State Budget was handed down on 29 May 2025. Here are some highlights:
Small business
- $2.5 million to support small businesses, including $500,000 to establish a new Small Business Start-Up Permit process.
- Extension of the pilot New Business Support Program, which provides extra support for start-ups, including free business advice.
- Investment in Innovation Hubs in Hobart and Launceston, supporting founders of innovative, high-growth businesses and potential start-ups.
- Investment in the Online Business Advice Platform, enabling small businesses to access up-to-date, self-guided, ongoing business planning and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Funding to develop an online tool to assist businesses in continuity planning and managing disruptions in response to emergency events.
- A Rapid Response Fund, which provides financial assistance or advisory services for Tasmanian businesses in times of business or industry disruption.
- Investment in the Tasmanian Business Advice Service, which provides free and independent business advice and support.
Backing primary producers
- $1.5 million to continue funding the Agriculture Research and Development Fund to support research, development and extension to deliver practical, on-farm benefits
- $63.7 million of the $75 million commitment to the $300 million Greater South East Irrigation Scheme. eg/ agri-food producers.
Tourism
- An additional $57 million is being invested in the tourism industry over the next four years, ensuring the State remains a destination of choice in a highly competitive market.
Cost of living
- Energy bill credit of $60 to every Tasmanian household as part of the Renewable Energy Dividend.
- Half price bus fares for school students and regional routes for 12 months to deliver relief to Tasmanian families.
- Expanding the Healthy School Lunches Program, saving families up to $950 a year.
- 100,000 $100 Eat Local, Stay Local vouchers to encourage Tasmanians to get out and support local businesses.
Budget papers can be found here.