The Tasmanian Liberal Government welcomes today’s decision by Australia Post to continue transporting perishable goods across the country.

Following Australia Post’s announcement to cease the transport of these goods from June 30 2021, I immediately wrote to my Federal counterparts and lobbied hard for this crucial service to continue as we knew it would cause significant disruption to small businesses across Tasmania.

My top priority has been to find solutions that enable small business to keep doing what it does best, especially as we continue to rebound from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today's news that Australia Post has committed to continue to ship perishable goods through its StarTrack delivery service, and to work with small business to find solutions is no doubt a welcome relief for many.

This will provide much needed certainty for industry and small businesses which is what we need. It will be fantastic news for the many Tasmanian producers and suppliers of fine food and other perishable products, and I applaud Australia Post's decision.

Only the Tasmanian Liberals understand that small businesses are the engine room of Tasmania’s economy, creating local jobs in every community.