Concessions

Adult student transport concessions

Adult students are eligible for adult concession fares on public bus and ferry services when:

• aged 18 years or older on 1 January in the year of study, and
• a full-time student (600+ hours per year) enrolled at an education facility recognised by the Department for Education, Children and Young People, university, TasTAFE or Tasmanian College of English.

A further 20% discount is applied when using a smartcard like Greencard, or Transportme, or a 10-trip ticket, where available.

For more information:

Contact your bus service operator.

Adult students may be eligible for a special circumstance student bus pass which allows them to travel at the child student fare on one or more fare-charging bus services between 6.00 am and 7.00 pm on school days, if they:

• are aged 18 years or older on 1 January in the year of study
• a full-time student (600+ hours per year) enrolled at an education facility recognised by the Department for Education, Children and Young People.
• are studying at a level that is no higher than is offered to any year 11 or 12 student at a senior secondary college, and
• have not had the opportunity to complete the equivalent of two years post-year 10 study due to circumstances beyond their control.

If the student holds a Concession Card, they may be eligible to travel for free.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: bus.passes@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

A travel allowance of 41 cents per kilometre (45 cents for students living on the West Coast) may be payable to:

• apprentices and trainees who have to travel more than 42 kilometres return to attend off-the-job training.

Where apprentices and trainees must travel within Tasmania for training, an accommodation allowance of $55 per night is available to:

• apprentices and trainees who have to travel more than 60 kilometres each way to attend training with a registered training organisation within Tasmania.

Where apprentices and trainees are required to travel from Flinders Island, King Island and Cape Barren Island, an accommodation allowance of $55 per night is available, including weekends, if attending for two or three weeks. The Tasmanian Government will:

• provide $60 towards airport transfer and
• pay the full cost of return airfares paid for travel to attend their Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in Tasmania.

Where apprentices and trainees are required to travel interstate for training, the Tasmanian Government will:

• contribute to the cost of airfares
• provide $60 towards airport transfer and
• pay an accommodation allowance of $100 per night.

For more information:

Skills Tasmania
Phone: 1800 655 846
Email: travelclaims@skills.tas.gov.au
Web:   SkillsTasmania

An allowance to assist with the cost of transporting students to the nearest school or school bus service is available to students:

• live outside an area with an urban bus service and more than 5 kilometres from the nearest government intake area school, educationally appropriate school or bus stop servicing that school, or
• are in grade 11 or 12, living on a Bass Strait Island and need to attend an educationally appropriate school on mainland Tasmania or interstate.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 6166 3350
Email: passenger.transport@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

Child students always pay a flat rate, not just for travel to and from school. The fare is the same regardless of distance or location. This concession applies to students who are:

• under 18 years or turning 18 years in the year of study, and
• a full-time student (600+ hours per year) enrolled at an education facility recognised by the Department for Education, Children and Young People.

A further 20% discount is applied when using a smartcard like Greencard, or Transportme, or a 10-trip ticket, where available.

For more information:

Contact your bus service operator.

A student bus pass for free travel provides free travel on one or more fare-charging bus services between home and school. Free travel applies between 6.00 am and 7.00 pm on school days for students who are:

• under 18 years or turning 18 years in the year of study and
• a full-time student (600+ hours per year) enrolled at an education facility recognised by the Department for Education, Children and Young People

and who meet one or more of the following eligibility criteria:

• have a Service Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card or are listed as a dependant on the card are under a Care and Protection Order
• live in a rural area and are attending their Intake Area School, which is also located in a rural area, and there is no free bus service available to that school
• require a Free Transfer pass as they must transfer between 2 or more fare-charging bus operators between home and school.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: bus.passes@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Website:  www.transport.tas.gov.au

The Transport Access Scheme (TAS) assists people with a life-long permanent and severe disability which affects mobility.

An Australian Disability Parking Permit entitles TAS members to use disability parking spots and additional time in areas controlled by parking signs (including parking meters).

Temporary Australian Disability Parking Permits for non-TAS members may be applied for through major metropolitan councils.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: passenger.transport@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

For people who hold a Vision Impairment Travel Pass, their guide dog and attendant travel for free on all  Tasmanian public  buses.

Applicants for this card must hold a current Pensioner Concession Card endorsed for Disability Support Pension Blind or Age Blind Pension, or a DVA (Blind) Pension, or provide an assessment by an opthalmologist.

The concession is also available to an accompanying mobility instructor authorised by Guide Dogs Tasmania.

For more information:

Department of State Growth

Phone: 1300 135 513

Email: passenger.transport@stategrowth.tas.gov.au

Website: www.transport.tas.gov.au

A rebate of 50% on the cost of one return trip to Northern Tasmania per financial year is available to age pensioners living on Bass Strait islands who have a:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135  513
Email: passenger.transport@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

The SeaLink Bruny Island ferry service offers discounts to the following cardholders:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia or DVA Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

The driver must be the primary cardholder to access the concession rate.

For more information:

Sealink Bruny Island 
Phone: 1300 127 869
Web: www.sealinkbrunyisland.com.au

Assistance may be given to buy school uniforms for:

• students in exceptional or extenuating family circumstances.

For more information:

Contact a social worker at the student’s school.

Assistance to buy spectacles may be available to low-income families with:

• students from kindergarten to year 12 at government and non-government schools.

Parents/guardians who have been approved for the Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) or who hold one of the following cards are eligible to apply:

• Service Australia or Department of Veterans' Affairs Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Services Australia Low Income Health Care Card.

Approved applicants will receive assistance with the cost of one pair of standard prescribed lenses and standard frames from a participating optometrist in any 12-month period unless special circumstances apply (for example, a prescription change).

Assistance is also available to grandparents raising grandchildren.  Grandparents may need to provide proof that their grandchildren are legally in their care.

For more information:

Department for Education, Children and Young People
Phone: 1800 827 055
Email: FAU@decyp.tas.gov.au
Web: www.decyp.tas.gov.au

The Student Assistance Scheme (STAS) provides assistance for low-income families with the cost of levies for:

• full-time students from kindergarten to year 12 at government and non-government schools.

Parents/guardians who hold one of the following current concession cards are eligible to apply:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card.
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Services Australia Low Income Health Care Card.

Assistance to families in non-government schools is at the discretion of the school. Catholic schools directly assess eligibility for assistance to families.  Requests for assistance need to be directed to the relevant school.

Assistance is also available to grandparents raising grandchildren. Grandparents may need to provide proof that their grandchildren are legally in their care.

For more information:

Department for Education, Children and Young People
Phone: 1800 827 055
Email: stas@decypp.tas.gov.au
Web: www.decyp.tas.gov.au

Concessions on fees for most adult education courses are available for full-time students and to holders of a:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Tasmanian Seniors Card

Please note that carers supporting learners with disability can attend classes free of charge.

For more information:

Libraries Tasmania 
Phone: 6165 5564
Email: adulteducation.libraries@libraries.tas.gov.au
Web: https://adulteducation.libraries.tas.gov.au/

Financial support may be given to year 11 and 12 students who live away from home due to the distance between their usual home in Tasmania and the closest institution offering their chosen course of study. The assistance is available to:

• year 11 and 12 students whose nearest school is more than 40 kilometres from their usual home.

The allowance is not income-tested.

For more information:

Department for Education, Children and Young People
Phone: 1800 827 055
Email: FAU@decyp.tas.gov.au
Web: www.decyp.tas.gov.au

A 20% discount on annual and two-year National Parks passes is available to holders of a:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Seniors Australia or DVA Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

When a Companion Card holder buys a Parks pass, they will receive an identical day person or holiday person pass for their companion carer at no charge.

Please contact the specific national park before you visit to find out whether it is suitable (such as wheelchair accessible).

Discounted annual and two-year Seniors National Parks passes are available to holders of a:

• Seniors Card - all States and Territories (excluding Seniors Business Cards).

Purchase online via https://passes.parks.tas.gov.au/

For more information:

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
Phone: 1300 827 727 (1300 TASPARKS)
Email: parkfees@parks.tas.gov.au
Web:  www.parks.tas.gov.au

A discount on booking fees is available to holders of a:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Services Australia or DVA Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
• Seniors Card – all States and Territories (excluding Seniors Business Cards)

Companion Card holders will receive a second ticket for their companion carer at no charge.

For more information:

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania 
Phone: 1300 827 727 (1300 TASPARKS)
Web: www.overlandtrack.com.au

Discounted entry fees available to holders of any of the following:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Services Australia or DVA Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
• Seniors Card - all States and Territories
• Student Card.

Companion Card holders will receive a second ticket for their companion carer at no charge.

For more information:

Port Arthur Historic Site
Phone: 1800 659 101
Email: reservations@portarthur.org.au
Web: www.portarthur.org.au

Discounted Guided Tours and a 10% discount in the Botanical Shop are available to holders of a:

• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Service Australia or DVA Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
• Seniors Card.

Companion Card Holders will receive a second guided tour ticket for their companion carer at no charge.

For more information:

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Phone: 6166 0451
Email: rtbg@rtbg.tas.gov.au
Web: www.rtbg.tas.gov.au

Discounts are available to holders of a:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Services Australia or DVA Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
• Seniors Card - all States and Territories
• Student Card.

Companion Card holders will receive a second ticket for their companion carer at no charge.

For more information:

Cascades Female Factory Historic Site
Phone: 1800 139 478
Email: reservations@femalefactory.org.au
Web: www.femalefactory.org.au

Discounted tickets for the Hastings Experience (Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs), Mole Creek Caves and Highfield Historic Site are available to holders of a:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Services Australia or DVA Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
• Seniors Card – all States and Territories (excluding Seniors Business Cards).

Companion Card holders will receive a second ticket for their companion carer at no charge.

For more information:

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
Phone:
Hastings Reserve: 6298 3209
Highfield House: 6458 1100
Mole Creek Caves: 6363 5182
Web: www.parks.tas.gov.au

A discount on booking fees is available to holders of a:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Services Australia or DVA Commonwealth Seniors Health Cards
• Seniors Card – all States and Territories (excluding Seniors Business Cards)

Companion Card holders will receive a second ticket for their companion carer at no charge.

For more information:

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
Phone: 1300 827 727 (1300 TASPARKS)
Web: www.threecapestrack.com.au

Adult students may be eligible for a special circumstance student bus pass which allows them to travel at the child student fare on one or more fare-charging bus services between 6.00 am and 7.00 pm on school days, if they: 

• are aged 18 years or older at 1 January in the year of study
• are a full-time student (600+ hours per year) enrolled at an education facility recognised by the Department for Education, Children and Young People
• are studying at a level that is no higher than is offered to any year 11 or 12 student at a senior secondary college, and
• have not had the opportunity to complete the equivalent of two years post-year 10 study due to circumstances beyond their control.

If the student holds a concession card, they may be eligible to travel for free.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: bus.passes@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

Adult students are eligible for adult concession fares on public bus and ferry services when:

• aged 18 years or older on 1 January in the year of study, and
• a full-time student (600+ hours per year) enrolled at an education facility recognised by the Department for Education, Children and Young People, university, TasTAFE or Tasmanian College of English.

A further 20% discount is applied when using a smartcard such as Greencard, or Transportme, or a 10-trip ticket, where available.

For more information:

Contact your bus service operator.

A travel allowance of 41 cents per kilometre (45 cents for students living on the West Coast) may be payable to:

• apprentices and trainees who must travel more than 42 kilometres return to attend off-the-job training.

Where apprentices and trainees are required to travel within Tasmania for training, an accommodation allowance of $55 per night is available to:

• apprentices and trainees who must travel more than 60 kilometres each way to attend training with a registered training organisation within Tasmania.

Where apprentices and trainees are required to travel from Flinders Island, King Island and Cape Barren Island, an accommodation allowance of $55 per night is available, including weekends, if attending for two or three weeks. The Tasmanian Government will:

• provide $60 towards airport transfer and
• pay the full cost of return airfares paid for travel to attend their Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in Tasmania.

Where apprentices and trainees are required to travel interstate for trainin, the Tasmanian Government will: 

• contribute to the cost of airfares
• provide $60 towards airport transfer
• pay an accommodation allowance of $100 per night.

For more information:

Skills Tasmania
Phone: 6165 6055
Email: travelclaims@skills.tas.gov.au
Web: www.skills.tas.gov.au

An allowance to assist with the cost of transporting students to the nearest school or school bus service is available to students who:

• live outside an area with an urban bus service, and more than five kilometres from the nearest government intake area school, educationally appropriate school or bus stop servicing that school, or
• are in grade 11 or 12, living on a Bass Strait island and needs to attend an educationally appropriate school on mainland Tasmania or interstate.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: passenger.transport@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

Child students always pay a flat rate, not just for travel to and from school. The fare is the same regardless of distance or location. This concession applies to students who are:

• under 18 years or turning 18 years in the year of study; and
• a full-time student (600+ hours per year) enrolled at an education facility recognised by the Department for Education, Children and Young People.

A further 20% discount is applied when using a smartcard such as a Greencard or Transportme, or a 10-trip ticket, where available.

For more information:

Contact your bus service operator.

A student bus pass for free travel provides free travel on one or more fare-charging bus services between home and school. Free travel applies between 6.00 am and 7.00 pm on school days for students who are:

• under 18 years or turning 18 years in the year of study, and
• a full-time student (600+ hours per year) enrolled at an education facility recognised by the Department for Education, Children and Young People

and who meet at least one of the following criteria:

• have a Service Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card or are listed as a dependant on the card
• are under a Care and Protection Order
• live in a rural area and are attending their Intake Area School, which is also located in a rural area, and there is no free bus service available to that school
• require a Free Transfer pass as they must transfer between two or more fare-charging bus operators between home and school.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: bus.passes@stategrowth.tas.gov.au

Website:  Student bus pass for free travel – Transport Services

Fees can be waived in full, or reduced to concession rate or other amount, for students in extreme financial hardship or for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Students are referred to a Student Counsellor or Aboriginal VET Officer for assessment.

For more information:

TasTAFE
Phone: 1300 655 307
Web: www.tastafe.tas.edu.au

Courses that have no tuition fees include:

• any of the foundation programs
• the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and
• approved Fee Free TAFE courses.

Tuition fees are not charged for inmates at a prison or detention centre.

For more information:

TasTAFE
Phone: 1300 655 307
Web: www.tastafe.tas.edu.au

Up to a 25% reimbursement of childcare costs (to a maximum of $400 per student per year) is available to students:

• enrolled in an accredited course at TasTAFE, and
• with childcare provided through a carer registered under the Family Day Care Scheme or a day care service or carer licensed by the Department for Education, Children and Young People.

This concession is subject to available funds.

For more information:

TasTAFE
Phone: 1300 655 307
Web: www.tastafe.tas.edu.au

A reduction on the normal tuition fee for government subsidised program for each qualification or skill set is available to enrolled students who:

• are receiving a Centrelink allowance such as Newstart, Youth Allowance, Disability Support Pension, a Pension, Austudy or Abstudy
• are listed on a current Centrelink Card as a dependant
• hold a current Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card, or
• hold a current Services Australia Health Care Card.

For more information:

TasTAFE
Phone: 1300 655 307
Web: www.tastafe.tas.edu.au

A 100% exemption from duty on the transfer of a motor vehicle to a shareholder(s) on the winding-up or deregistration of a company is available in certain circumstances.

Detailed and specific conditions apply to this exemption.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: dutyhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

A 100% exemption from duty on the transfer of a motor vehicle from one person to another is available to people involved in a:

• marriage that is dissolved or annulled
• breakdown of a de facto relationship
• breakdown of a personal relationship.

Detailed and specific conditions apply to this exemption.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: dutyhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

A 100% exemption from duty on the transfer of a motor vehicle to a beneficiary of a deceased estate is available to:

• the surviving owner or registered operator if the vehicle was jointly owned by the registered operators and one of the joint owners is deceased
• a person the vehicle is bequeathed to under a deceased person’s will
• a person entitled to it as a beneficiary under the Intestacy Act 2010.

Detailed and specific conditions apply to this exemption.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: dutyhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

A 100% exemption from duty on vehicle registration applications and transfers is available to people who:

• hold a DVA Veteran Card embossed with TPI,
• are members of the Transport Access Scheme (for people with a severe disability).

Note: This concession only applies to one vehicle registered in the name of the eligible person. The gross vehicle mass must not be over  4.5 tonnes.

If you currently own a vehicle that receives a motor tax (100% exemption) and are looking to purchase a new vehicle, you will need to dispose of your existing vehicle or transfer it from the concession holder's name before the purchase of the new vehicle.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: vru@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

The 100% exemption on motor tax (which is included in motor vehicle registration) is available for a:

• vehicle with a gross vehicle mass not over 4.5 tonnes.

Note: This exemption only applies to one vehicle registered in the name of the eligible person.

The exemption is available to people who:

• hold a DVA Veteran Gold Card printed with TPI, and
• are members of the Transport Access Scheme (for people with a severe disability).

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: vru@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

The 40% rebate on motor tax (which is included in motor vehicle registration) is available for:

• goods carrying vehicles (such as utes and vans), not used for any trade or business purposes, with a gross vehicle mass not over 4.5 tonnes.

The rebate is available to people who hold one of the following:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• DVA Veteran Gold or White Card
• eligible asylum seekers.

Note: This concession only applies to one vehicle registered in the name of the eligible person.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: vru@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

A concession of $56 on MAIB third party insurance premiums is available for:

• motor vehicles (other than motorcycles) not over 4.5 tonnes (applies to one vehicle registered in the name of the eligible person).

The concession is available to people who hold one of the following:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• DVA Veteran Gold or White Card

or are:

• a member of the Transport Access Scheme (for people with a severe disability)
• eligible asylum seekers.

Note: The concession only applies to one vehicle of each type (i.e.  one car, one motorcycle, one trailer, one caravan) registered in the name of the eligible person. The discount is based on a 12-month payment period.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: vru@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

The discounts listed below are based on a 12-month payment period. Discounts on vehicle registration fees are available for:

• motor vehicles (other than motorcycles) not over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass ($55.37)
• trailers (including caravans) ($27.97)
• motorcycles ($50.07).

Vehicle registration discounts are available to people who hold a:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Heath Care Card
• DVA Veteran Gold or White Card

or are:

• members of the Transport Access Scheme (for people with a severe disability)
• eligible asylum seekers.

Note: This concession only applies to one vehicle of each type (i.e. one car, one motorcycle, one trailer, one caravan) registered in the name of the eligible person. This concession applies to registration fees, road safety and fire levies.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: vru@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

Eligible applicants aged under 65 years can receive savings between $12.46 and $60.52, depending on the length of time the full driver licence is issued.

Driver licence discounts are available to people who hold any of the following:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• DVA Veteran Gold or White Card

or are:

• members of the Transport Access Scheme (for people with a severe disability)
• eligible asylum seekers.

There is no licence fee for people 65 years and over, but there is a small photo card fee of $12.03.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: dlu@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

A 20% reduction on firearm fees is available to people who hold a:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card.
• Services Australia Health Care Card.

For more information:

Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management
Phone: 6173 2720
Email: firearms.services@police.tas.gov.au
Web: www.police.tas.gov.au

Savings on full season adult angling licences are available to any of the following:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card holders (discount of 45%)
• Seniors Card holders – all States and Territories (discount of 20%)
• people aged between 14 and 17 years (100% discount).

For more information:

Inland Fisheries Services
Phone: 1300 463 474 (1300 INFISH)
Email: infish@ifs.tas.gov.au
Web: www.ifs.tas.gov.au

Under the new Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulations 2021, Game Licences are now referred to as 'Hunting Licences'  for game species.

A 20% discount for recreational hunting licences applies for:

• deer
• wallaby
• mutton bird
• pheasant
• wild duck
• brown quail.

The discount is available to people who have one of the following:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Services Australia or DVA Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
• Seniors Card - all States and Territories.

For more information:

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
Phone:  6165 4305
Email: wildlife.services@nre.tas.gov.au
Web:  NRE Wildlife Management

A 50% discount on the licence application fee applies for:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card holders
• Seniors Card holders – all States and Territories
• people under the age of 16 years.

For more information:

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
Phone: 6165 3233 or 1300 720 647
Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au
Web: www.fishing.tas.gov.au/licence

Applicants are eligible for a 70% rebate on the application fees for a new or variation to an existing water licence when:

• the water allocations under the licence are exclusively for stock and domestic (but not commercial) use, and
• the maximum daily quantity of water taken is less than 0.01ML.

For more information:

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
Phone: 6165 3019
Email: water.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au
Web: Water | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (nre.tas.gov.au)

Subsidised emergency, general and denture services* are available to adults who have a:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card, or
• DVA Veterans Card and meet specific criteria (contact DVA on 1800 838 272 to find out more).

* Waiting lists may apply for subsidised general and denture services.

For more information:

Oral Health Services Tasmania
Phone: 1300 011 013
Web: www.health.tas.gov.au

Free dental checks, preventive care and treatment are available to all children (0-17 years) under the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (where a bulk billing consent form is signed). Otherwise a subsidised service is available to children under 18 years.

Some exceptions apply.

For more information:

Oral Health Services Tasmania
Phone: 1300 011 013
Web: www.health.tas.gov.au

Equipment is available for people who have been clinically assessed as having a sleep-related breathing disorder requiring a positive airways pressure machine.

Please consult your medical specialist.

To be eligible, people must have a prescription from a sleep specialist and hold one of the following:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card.

For more information:

Department of Health
Phone:
General enquiries: 1300 135 513
Royal Hobart Hospital Department of Respiratory Medicine: 6166 8438
Launceston General Hospital Respiratory Unit: 6777 6708
Email (South): rhh.respiratory@ths.tas.gov.au

Subsidised nutrition may be available if recommended by a dietitian. The program is available when:

• you are eligible for compensation (such as MAIB, workers compensation or any common law compensation) or where compensation payment has been made that includes future nutritional support.
• you are receiving financial assistance from any other government-funded organisation or program (including DVA Veteran  Gold or Orange Card holders)
• you have a funding package through an aged care provider (if their plan includes nutritional support)
• you live in a residential facility, accommodation service or private hospital whose funding arrangements include nutritional support, or
• you hold a NDIS plan that includes nutritional support.

A further reduction in costs is available if you hold a:

• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• DVA White Card (conditional), or
• are registered for the Closing the Gap program.

For more information:

Department of Health
Phone:
Royal Hobart Hospital: 6166 8145
Launceston General Hospital:  6777 6477
North-West Regional Hospital: 6493 6467

Oxygen supplies are available to patients assessed by a specialist doctor as needing oxygen therapy. Please consult your medical specialist.

The assessment needs to be approved by the Department of Respiratory Medicine at the Royal Hobart or Launceston General Hospitals.

Note: These arrangements do not apply to holders of a DVA Veteran Gold or White Card. For more information, DVA card holders should contact DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

For more information:

Department of Health

Phone:
General enquiries: 1300 135 513
Royal Hobart Hospital, Department of Respiratory Medicine: 6166 7353
Launceston General Hospital, Respiratory Unit: 6777 6708
Email (South): rhh.respiratory@ths.tas.gov.au

Financial assistance may be available for Tasmanians required to:

• travel more than 75 kilometres one way to access specialised health care services not available locally, or
• travel more than 50 kilometres one way to access the nearest cancer or dialysis treatment centre.

Patient travel assistance is not available for those eligible for assistance from other sources (such as MAIB, workers compensation, DVA, private health insurance, or NDIS).

Levels of assistance reflect the distance, type of travel and accommodation required.

Patient contribution towards travel

Patient contribution towards the cost of travel is $82.50 per trip and capped at $330 per financial year. Patient contribution towards the cost of travel is waived for eligible concession card holders.

Eligible concession cards are:

• Services Australia or DVA* Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card.

*where DVA cardholders are not eligible under another scheme.

For more information:

Department of Health

Patient Travel South

Phone: 6166 8225

Email: ptasrhh@ths.tas.gov.au

Patient Travel North

Phone: 6777 6249

Email: lgh.patient.travel@ths.tas.gov.au

Patient Travel North-West

Phone: 6477 7734

Email: nw.ptas@ths.tas.gov.au

Web: www.health.tas.gov.au/hospital/ptas

For more information on eligibility criteria and available subsidies download the PTAS Patient Guidelines at www.health.tas.gov.au/hospital/ptas

Concessions are available on medications dispensed to patients discharged from hospital, outpatients attending the emergency department, or hospital outpatient clinics in public hospitals.

Medicare Card holders are entitled to receive pharmaceuticals at a maximum cost of $30.00* per prescription item. Holders of one of the following cards will pay a maximum of $7.30* per prescription item:

• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Services Australia Pensioner Concession Card
• Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
• PBS Safety Net Concessions Card issued by a pharmacy
• DVA Veteran Gold Card
• DVA Veteran White Card (accepted conditions only).
• DVA Veteran Orange Card.

Holders of a PBS Safety Net Entitlement Card will not be charged for their medication.

*These amounts are currently adjusted in line with inflation by the Australian Government on 1 January each year.

For more information:

Department of Health
Phone:
Royal Hobart Hospital: 6166 6700
Launceston General Hospital: 6777 6728
North-West Regional Hospital: 6493 6280
Mersey Community Hospital: 6478 5229

TasEquip is a Department of Health Service that provides a range of equipment to eligible Tasmanians to help them with everyday tasks at home.

The aim is to help people who:

• wish to live independently at home
• transition home after acute care
• need help accessing education.

The equipment must be prescribed by the authorised therapist/prescriber. Some of the common equipment available for eligible clients includes, but it not limited to, shower chairs, walking aids, adjustable height seats, hoists, wheelchairs, and electric wheelchairs.

To be eligible, a person needs to meet all the following criteria:

• Live in Tasmania (for at least 3 months)
• Hold a Services Australia Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
• Live in the community and not in residential aged care.
• Be ineligible for a Home Care Package level 3 or 4, workers compensation, MAIB, DVA* or NDIS**.
  • * DVA Health Card holders should contact DVA to check their potential eligibility.

TasEquip is designed to support people who do not have alternative funding sources. Clients are ineligible for TasEquip if they Home Care Package level 3 or 4, workers compensation, MAIB, DVA or NDIS.

NDIS clients should contact the NDIS for all repair, replacement and modification to any disability equipment, even if that equipment was originally sourced from TasEquip.

• If you are aged under 65 and have a disability, it is essential that you contact the NDIS to determine your eligibility.
• You can contact the National Disability Insurance Agency, (NDIA) on 1800 800 110 or enquiries@ndis.gov.au. They can provide advice about eligibility for the NDIS, how to access the scheme or answer any questions about a NDIS plan.

For more information:

TasEquip -  Phone 1300 827 387

South
Phone: 6166 7393
Email: southtasequip@ths.tas.gov.au 

North
Phone: 6777 4336
Email: nthtasequip@ths.tas.gov.au 

North-West
Phone:  6478 5599
Email: nwtasequip@ths.tas.gov.au 

Web: www.health.tas.gov.au

Financial assistance is available for the purchase of glasses for pre-school aged children and adults. Low vision aids, prostheses and intraocular implants are subsidised up to $413.30 per item.

Eligible people include:

• a permanent Tasmanian residents for at least three continuous months immediately  before they apply (refugees not required to satisfy this criteria) and
• able to satisfy the means test.

Other persons eligible to apply include:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card holders
• DVA Veteran White Card holders (accepted conditions only)
• low income earners under hardship provisions, and
• persons not able to claim from private health insurance, workers compensation or any other source.

To receive the subsidy, an application form must be completed and sent with the prescription to the Statewide Spectacles Scheme.

This subsidy does not cover school aged children; however they may be eligible for assistance from the Department for Education, Children and Young People. Refer to Education - Spectacles Assistance in this Guide for further information.

Note: People who can claim from private health insurance, workers’ compensation or any other source are not eligible to apply.

For more information:

Spectacles Assistance Scheme, Department of Health 
Phone: 1800 232 148
Web: Eyes and vision (Ophthalmology) | Tasmanian Department of Health

Financial assistance is available to cancer and alopecia patients who are referred by a doctor and have a:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card , or
• DVA Veterans Card and meet specific criteria (contact DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) for more information.

For more information:

Department of Health
Phone:

Royal Hobart Hospital: 6166 8308
Launceston General Hospital: 6777 6477
Devonport Community Health & Service Centre: 6478 6119

Diabetes Australia - Tasmania offers free information, programs, individual health advice and services to people living with diabetes as well as those at risk of diabetes. We also offer support for their families, carers and friends.

We can help you with:

• healthy food choices and shopping
• monitoring your blood glucose levels
• looking after your feet, eyes and emotional and mental wellbeing
• information about diabetes medication including insulin and other injectables
• information about joining a local peer support group.

We also offer health services based on your needs:

• individual telehealth/video consults and coaching with a diabetes educator, dietitian, or nurse practitioner
• social worker services and advocacy
• camps and activities for children and youth with diabetes.

Insulin or non-insulin injectable medications:

• NDSS (National Diabetes Services Scheme) subsidises products including pen needles to inject insulin or non-insulin medications.
• To access these products, you need to register with the NDSS. Speak to your GP or Diabetes Australia - Tasmania to see if you are eligible to be registered with the NDSS.

Next steps

Contact us to find out more about Diabetes Tasmania’s free services and to help us book you into a program tailored to your needs.

For more information:

Diabetes Australia - Tasmania 
Phone: 6215 9000
Email: mailtas@diabetesaustralia.com.au
NDSS Enquiries: ndss@diabetesaustralia.com.au
Web: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/Tasmania/

Financial assistance is available to people requiring compression garments to help manage lymphoedema and who have one of the following:

• Services Australia Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card.
• DVA Veterans Card and meet specific criteria (contact DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

For more information:

Department of Health
Phone:
Royal Hobart Hospital, Physiotherapy: 6166 8634
Royal Hobart Hospital, Occupational Therapy: 6166 8314
Launceston General Hospital, Physiotherapy: 6777 6216
North-West Regional Hospital, Physiotherapy: 6493 6250
Email:
(South) rhh.physiotheraphy@ths.tas.gov.au
(North) lgh.ahs@ths.tas.gov.au
(North-West) burnie.physio@ths.tas.gov.au

A reduced contribution charge for orthotic and prosthetic services is provided to eligible people whose costs are not met by other organisations such as MAIB, workers compensation, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

To access the service, clients must have a current referral from either a GP, an allied health professional or a medical specialist.

Those eligible for a reduced contribution include holders of one of the following:

• Services Australia or DVA* Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card.

* where DVA cardholders are not eligible under another scheme.

For more information:

Department of Health
Phone:

Orthotic Prosthetic Services Tasmania

(South): 6166 7377
(North): 6777 8562
(North-West): 6493 6272
Email: opst.tas@ths.tas.gov.au
Web: www.health.tas.gov.au

A 50% concession on the cost of taxi travel is available to people:

• with a permanent and severe disability who have been assessed as meeting eligibility criteria for membership of the Transport Access Scheme

and also hold one of the following:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

A maximum subsidy of $25 per single journey applies.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: passenger.transport@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

A 60% concession on the cost of travel in a wheelchair-accessible taxi is available to people:

• with a permanent and severe disability who have been assessed as meeting eligibility criteria for membership of the Transport Access Scheme, and who are totally wheelchair reliant.

A maximum subsidy of $30 per single journey applies.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: passenger.transport@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

The annual electricity concession provides a daily discount to eligible customers as a cents per day rate. The current concession is 172.434 cents per day.

Eligible cards are:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• ImmiCard (Bridging Visa E).

To apply for the annual electricity concession, eligible customers should contact their electricity retailer by telephone or complete the Application Form.

For more information

Contact your electricity retailer.

The Tasmanian Government and the Australian Government have partnered to deliver cost-of-living relief through lower energy bills through the Energy Bill Relief Fund.

Eligible households can receive $250 of electricity bill rebates per year over the next two years.

For your household to be eligible for the rebate the electricity account holder must, as at 1 July in the relevant year, be a recipient or holder of:

• Services Australia Health Care Card (including Low Income Health Care Card)
• Services Australia or Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia or DVA Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
• Veteran Gold Card
• Family Tax Benefit (FTB) A and B
• Carer Allowance.

If you purchase electricity directly from a retailer such as Aurora Energy, 1^st Energy or another retailer:

If you are currently eligible and verified with your retailer to receive the Annual Electricity Concession your Energy Bill Relief rebate will be applied automatically by your retailer. You do not have to do anything.

If you are eligible for the Annual Electricity Concession, but do not currently receive it, please contact your electricity retailer to register.

Households that are eligible for the rebate, but not eligible for the Annual Electricity Concession, should contact their electricity retailer to register.

If you do not currently receive the Annual Electricity Concession and are a DVA Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or Veteran Gold Card holder, please contact your electricity retailer up until June 2024 to apply. They will ask you for your UIN or Veteran File Number and consent for them as the provider to check your eligibility for the Energy Bill Relief rebate.

For all eligible customers of retailers once registered, your electricity retailer will automatically apply the following discounts to your bill:

• a $125 rebate in the September quarter 2023;
• a $125 rebate in the June quarter of 2024;
• a $125 rebate in the September quarter 2024;
• a $125 rebate in the June quarter of 2025.

For more information contact your electricity retailer.

Customers on embedded networks (caravan parks, retirement villages etc.):

If you are an eligible concession holder and don’t receive electricity from an electricity retailer but are on an embedded network (for instance you receive electricity via your landlord in a caravan park or retirement home/village) you may still be eligible and will need to apply for the rebate as a grant payment through the Department of State Growth. Approved applications will receive one grant payment of $250 per year for two years.

For more information including details about how to apply visit www.recfit.tas.gov.au.

The Heating Allowance is a payment of $56 per year to eligible pensioners living in Tasmania. Two payments of $28 are made each year on 15 May and 15 September.

Payments are made under the Pensioners (Heating Allowances) Act 1971.

Eligibility is means tested and successful applicants do not need to re-apply each year. The allowance is available to people who hold a Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card and receive any of the following:

• Age Pension
• Carer Payment
• Disability Support Pension (DSP)
• Parenting Payment, or
• Service Pension

A single pensioner cannot have more than $1 750* in cash assets and married/de facto pensioners cannot have more than $2 750.*

*Other conditions also apply.

Apply online or by requesting a form by email or phone.

For more information:

Department of Premier and Cabinet
Phone: 1800 300 068
Email: heatingallowance@dpac.tas.gov.au 
Web: Heating allowance

The life support concession is a daily discount to eligible customers who use an approved life support system or who live with someone who uses one in their main home.

The approved devices and current discounts per day are:

• Oxygen concentrator - 127.806 cents
• Peritoneal dialysis machine - 94.825 cents
• Haemodialysis machine - 94.825 cents
• Chronic positive pressure and airways regulator - 45.350 cents
• Continuous positive airways pressure machine - 45.350 cents
• Respirator (iron lung) - 169.033 cents
• Combination oxygen concentrator and chronic positive pressure and airways regulator - 173.156 cents
• Phototherapy machine - 240.845 cents
• Left ventricular assist device - 45.350 cents.

To apply, complete the Application Form and have it certified by your medical practitioner, then submit it to your electricity retailer.

For more information

Contact your electricity retailer.

The medical cooling or heating concession is a daily discount to eligible customers who have, or who live with a person who has, a medical condition that requires the cooling or heating of their main home to manage that medical condition.  

The current concession is 51.648 cents per day.

You must have:

• a Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card, or
• a Services Australia Health Care Card.

To apply, complete the Application Form have it certified by your medical practitioner then submit it to your electricity retailer.

For more information

Contact your authorised retailer.

A 50% concession for first home buyers of established homes is available where the property transfer completes between:

• 7 February 2018 and 15 March 2021 inclusive for a property with a value of $400 000 or lower; or
• 6 March 2021 and 31 December 2021 inclusive for a property with a value of $500 000 or lower; or
• 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2024 inclusive for a property with a value of $600 000 or lower.

Specific conditions apply to the concession.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance:
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: dutyhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

A 50% duty concession for eligible pensioners who sell their existing home and downsize to a new home is available where the property:

• being acquired has a property value of $400 000 or lower and the purchase of their new home completes between 10 February 2018 and 15 March 2021. Or
• the purchase of their new home completes between 16 March 2021 and 31 December 2021 inclusive and the property being acquired has a property value of $500 000 or lower. Or
• the purchase of their new home completes between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2024 inclusive and the property being acquired has a property value of $600 000 or lower; and
• the value of the new property is less than that of the property being sold.

Specific conditions apply to this concession, including that the purchaser must occupy the new property as their principal place of residence.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: dutyhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

An exemption from duty on the transfer of property, used solely or principally for primary production, is available when the property is transferred to a relative, to a certain trusts or companies involving relatives of the transferor.

Detailed and specific conditions apply to this concession.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: dutyhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

An exemption from duty on the transfer of property from one de facto to another, or to a child of the de facto relationship, is available to:

• partners in a de facto relationship that has broken down
• a child of the relationship under the age of 18 years.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: dutyhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

An exemption from duty on the transfer of matrimonial property from one spouse to another, or to a child of the marriage, is available to:

• partners in a marriage that is dissolved or annulled (or, in the opinion of the Commissioner, has irretrievably broken down)
• a child of the relationship under the age of 18 years.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: dutyhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

An exemption from duty on the transfer of property from one partner to another, or to a child of the partners of a personal relationship (married, non-married and carer relationships) is available to:

• partners in a personal relationship that is terminated
• a child, of the partners, under the age of 18 years.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: dutyhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

An exemption from duty on the transfer of certain assets (other than land) between relatives is available in some circumstances.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: dutyhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

An exemption from duty on the transfer of property into joint names is available to:

• partners in a marriage or personal relationship (significant and carer relationships).

The parties to the transfer must reside at the property as their principal place of residence.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: dutyhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

A land tax concession may be available for land adjoining principal residence land (as at 1 July each year):

• Where an owner holds two properties on separate titles that adjoin each other, and one of those properties is the owner’s principal residence land, the second property may also qualify for a principal residence land concession.

Detailed and specific conditions apply to this concession.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: taxhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web:www.sro.tas.gov.au

A land tax concession may be available for land (as at 1 July each year) that is used substantially for the business of primary production.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: taxhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

A land tax concession may be available for land (as at 1 July each year):

• on which a dwelling exists and
• which is the owner’s principal place of residence.

A rebate on land tax is available on land:

• on which a dwelling is built as the principal residence of the owner during the year.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: taxhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

The principal residence land or primary production land concession may continue to apply for land that has been subject to fire, flood or a similar disaster.

From 1 July 2013, where a property has either a principal residence land or primary production land classification and is affected by a natural disaster (the land is not suitable to be occupied as principal residence land or used as primary production land), the property will, in certain circumstances, continue to receive either the principal residence land or primary production land classification for up to two financial years following the disaster.

Detailed and specific conditions apply to this concession.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: taxhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

The principal residence land concession may continue to apply for one further financial year following the death of an owner of a property.

From 1 July 2017, where a property has a principal residence land classification and the owner (who was residing at the property) dies, the property will, in certain circumstances, continue to receive the principal residence land classification for the financial year following the death.

Detailed and specific conditions apply to this concession.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: taxhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

Rebate of land tax is available to all owners of land (as at 1 July each year) where the owners have two principal places of residence in transitional circumstances.

The rebate applies where owners have purchased a new principal place of residence before 30 June but not yet sold their previous principal place of residence by that date.

Detailed and specific conditions apply to this concession.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: taxhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

An exemption for land tax is available to pensioners who partially use their principal residence land or primary production land for other purposes.

Detailed and specific conditions apply to this concession.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: taxhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

An exemption for land tax is available for properties where new dwellings are made available for long-term rental.

The exemption is available for three years for properties where each dwelling on the land is a new dwelling and is used for long-term rental.

Detailed and specific conditions apply to this exemption.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: taxhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

An exemption for land tax is available for properties where short-term accommodation is converted to long-term rental.

The exemption is available for one year for properties where each dwelling on the land is converted from short-term accommodation to long-term rental.

Detailed and specific conditions apply to this exemption.

For more information:

Department of Treasury and Finance
Phone: 6166 4400 or 1800 001 388
Email: taxhelp@treasury.tas.gov.au
Web: www.sro.tas.gov.au

Eligible TasWater customers can receive a Tasmanian Government funded discount of up to $226.66 ($113.33 for water charges and $113.33 for sewerage charges) for the 2023-24 financial year.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for the concessions, individuals must be legally responsible for the TasWater account, and occupy the property as their main home.

Eligible concessions are:

• Services Australia Health Care Card, or
• Services Australian or DVA Pensioner Concession Card, or
• DVA Veteran Gold Card.

Customers are encouraged to submit their application at the start of the financial year (1 July 2023) to ensure they have access to the full discounted amount, as the concession can only be applied from the date it is received.

TasWater is required to verify your eligibility for a concession with Centrelink or DVA, which requires you to provide consent for us to share your information with Centrelink or DVA.

For more information:

TasWater
Phone: 136 992
Email: enquiries@taswater.com.au
Web: www.taswater.com.au/Your-Account/Concessions-and-Rebates

A 30% reduction on local government rates and charges (capped at a maximum amount each year) is available to a pensioner who on 1 July each year holds one of the following:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card (but not a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card)
• DVA Veteran Gold Card – printed TPI or War Widow) in accordance with the Local Government (Rates and Charges Remissions) Regulations 2014
• resides at the property as their principal place of residence, and
• is legally responsible to the council for the rates of the property.

For more information:

Contact your relevant local council.

Rapid rehousing is designed to assist vulnerable people affected by family violence to access safe and affordable housing. It provides transitional accommodation (up to 12 months) at subsidised rent.

Assistance is available to eligible Tasmanians who are low to moderate income earners based on income eligibility limits for retaining a Services Australia Health Care Card.

For more information:

Housing Connect

Phone: 1800 800 588 (Statewide freecall)

Web: www.homestasmania.com.au

Housing Connect is where people can access housing assistance and support with one assessment for everything from emergency accommodation to a long-term home.

Housing Connect can help you with:

• applying for social housing and other housing assistance
• support and advice with your private rental, including bond and rent arrears
• finding a bed for the night
• support and advice on how to stay in your home
• seeking assistance following family violence, and
• information and advice on your housing options.

Apply for: 

• private rental assistance
• private rental incentives program
• social housing (public, community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander)
• rapid rehousing
• supported accommodation and other forms of housing assistance.

For more information:

Phone: 1800 800 588 (Statewide freecall)

Web: www.homestasmania.com.au

Assistance is available to Tasmanians who want to buy or build their own home and who are on a low to moderate income under the new MyHome Shared Equity Program.

MyHome Shared Equity Program

MyHome is the Tasmanian Government’s shared equity program that helps Tasmanians get into their own home sooner. Under MyHome, the cost of buying your home is shared with Homes Tasmania.

Assistance is available to Tasmanians who meet the eligibility criteria for MyHome. This includes having enough income to meet the costs of purchasing and owning a home.

Available assistance includes:

• up to a maximum of $200 000 or 40% (whichever is the lesser amount) of the purchase price for purchasers of new homes or house and land packages
• up to a maximum of $150 000 or 30% (whichever is the lesser amount), of the purchase price for purchasers of existing homes.

If you are interested in buying an existing home (a home that has been lived in), there is a property price cap of $600 000 under MyHome.

MyHome is provided through Bank of us.

For more information:

Bank of us

Phone: 1300 306 716

Web: www.bankofus.com.au/my-home

Assistance is available to Tasmanians who are:

• homeless or at risk of being homeless, or
• living in unsafe housing or who cannot stay where they normally live.

This includes crisis and transitional accommodation and brokerage funds to purchase assistance in the private market for people with specific needs where needed.

For more information:

Housing Connect

Phone: 1800 800 588 (Statewide freecall)

Web: www.homestasmania.com.au

Financial assistance in the form of rental arrears, bond, rent in advance or moving costs is available to eligible Tasmanians who are having difficulty accessing or staying in the private rental market.

Eligibility for assistance includes:

• low to moderate income earners based on income eligibility limits for retaining a Services Australia Health Care Card.

For more information:

Housing Connect
Phone: 1800 800 588 (Statewide freecall)
Web: www.homestasmania.com.au

Assistance is available to eligible Tasmanians to access private rental accommodation at an affordable rent.

The Private Rental Incentives Program encourages property owners to make their homes available for a two-year lease and receive an incentive payment and guaranteed rent capped below median rents.

Eligibility for assistance includes:

• Tasmanians on low incomes with low or no support needs, or
• low to moderate income earners based on income eligibility limits for retaining a Services Australia Health Care Card.

For more information:

Housing Connect  

Phone: 1800 800 588 (Statewide freecall)

Web: www.homestasmania.com.au

Assistance is available to Tasmanians on low incomes to access housing. Social housing includes community housing, public housing and housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Around half of social housing is managed by community housing providers in Tasmania. Applicants are encouraged to apply for housing with all the social housing providers in the region they live.

Social housing properties are managed by Homes Tasmania and community housing providers.

Applications are made through Housing Connect.

Eligibility for assistance includes:

• low-income earners based on income eligibility limits for a Services Australia Health Care Card; and
• have financial assets less than $35,000.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants must satisfy the requirements of the Eligibility for Tasmanian Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs and Services Policy unless they have previously been deemed eligible to access a Tasmanian Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program or service.

For more information:

Housing Connect

Phone: 1800 800 588 (Statewide freecall)

Web: www.homestasmania.com.au

Assistance is available to Tasmanians on low incomes who require supported accommodation and/or have specific needs including people who are homeless, people living with a disability, people affected by mental illness, and children and young people at risk.

This assistance includes adult supported accommodation facilities and youth2independence facilities, cluster homes and share houses.

For more information:

Housing Connect

Phone: 1800 800 588 (Statewide freecall)

Web: www.homestasmania.com.au

Discounted passenger fares* are available to cardholders of a Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card. Cardholders must provide their pension card number when they book. The card must still be current at the date of travel and presented at check-in.

*  Applicable to selected passenger fares, subject to availability.

Check the website www.spiritoftasmania.com.au for further terms, conditions and availability.

For more information:

Spirit of Tasmania
Phone: 132 010
Email: contactus@spiritoftasmania.com.au
Web: www.spiritoftasmania.com.au

Public bus and River Derwent ferry

Eligible cards for an adult concession bus fare are:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Seniors Card - all States and Territories
• Evidence of Immigration Status (EDI), or
• Residence Determination Immicard (RDI)

Other eligible people are:

• aged 70 years and over
• holds a DVA Veteran Gold Card printed with War Widow
• eligible adult students

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: passenger.transport@stategrowth.tas.gov.au 
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au/public_transport/concessions

The cardholder’s companion receives free bus travel when accompanying the cardholder who pays their own fare.

For more information:

Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: passenger.transport@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) and Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) pensioners are entitled to free travel on public bus services.

You will need to present  your DVA Veteran Gold Card printed with TPI or EDA. To travel on Metro bus services for free, you will need to apply for and use a Greencard.

For more information:

Department of State Growth Phone: 6166 3350

Email: passenger.transport@stategrowth.tas.gov.au

Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au

The Tasmanian Government delivers several Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific programs and services. To access these, applicants must first satisfy the requirements of the Eligibility for Tasmanian Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs and Services Policy.

For more information:

Information about this policy and associated eligibility requirements is available at  www.aboriginalaffairs.tas.gov.au

Visit your local library for free access to computers, the internet, WiFi, items in the collection and a range of learning programs.

No fines are charged for overdue items.  Please check with your local library for details.

For more information:

Libraries Tasmania
Phone: 6165 5600
Email: libraries.tas@education.tas.gov.au
Web: www.libraries.tas.gov.au/public-libraries

When the Public Trustee is appointed as the attorney, there is no charge to prepare an Enduring Power of Attorney for:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card holders
• Seniors Card holders.

Please note: This is for a standard appointment. If your affairs are complicated or more time is required, additional time may be charged.

For more information:

Public Trustee
Phone: 1800 068 784
Email: tpt@publictrustee.tas.gov.au
Web: www.publictrustee.tas.gov.au

Where the Public Trustee is appointed as the executor, there is no charge to prepare a Will for:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card holders
• Seniors Card holders.

Please note: This is for a standard appointment. If your affairs are complicated or more time is required, additional time may be charged.

For more information:

Public Trustee
Phone: 1800 068 784
Email: tpt@publictrustee.tas.gov.au
Web: www.publictrustee.tas.gov.au

Business support and small interest-free loans of up to $3,000 for business set-up, and for existing business owners.

The program is available to:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card
• Services Australia or DVA Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, or
• Those on gross incomes up to $55,000 per year.

For more information:

Business Tasmania
Phone: 1800 440 026
Email: ask@business.tas.gov.au
Web: www.business.tas.gov.au

A reduced fee of $5 for a police record check is available to:

• volunteers pre-approved and validated by the relevant volunteer organisation.

Organisations must complete the ‘Declaration of Volunteer / Concession Status' on the application form for the volunteer to be able to receive the reduced fee.

For more information:

Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management
Phone: 6173 2928 or 6173 2929
Email: criminalhistoryservices@police.tas.gov.au
Web: www.police.tas.gov.au

The application fee may be waived for people who have a:

• Services Australia or DVA Pensioner Concession Card
• Services Australia Health Care Card.

The Right to Information Act 2009 (section 16) also provides other reasons which the application fee may be waived, including financial hardship (subsection (2) (a)).

For more information:

Contact the relevant Tasmanian Government agency on 1300 135 513.

Vouchers to help with the cost of registration for sport and recreation activities are available for children aged 5-18 who are listed on Services Australia Health Care Cards, Pensioner Concession Cards or who are in Out of Home Care.

Vouchers can be used towards registration fees at approved sporting clubs, learn to swim centres, Scouts, Girl Guides, Cadet organisations and dance studios.

Two vouchers worth up to $100 each will be issued for each eligible child in 2023-24. Both vouchers may be used for the one activity, or each voucher may be used separately at different activity providers.

Find out about approved activity providers and how to apply for a voucher on the Ticket to Play website.

For more information:

Active Tasmania, Department of State Growth
Phone: 1800 252 476
Email: tickettoplay@active.tas.gov.au
Web: https://tickettoplay.tas.gov.au

Vouchers to help with the cost of gym and sporting club registration are available for Tasmanian Veterans who have a card issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or can produce evidence of past service with the Australian Defence Force.

Eligible Tasmanian veterans may apply for a voucher of up to $100. This voucher may be put towards the cost of membership fees, or associated costs at participating activity providers.

For more information:

Veterans Wellbeing Voucher Program
Phone: 1800 009 501 
Email: veterans@dpac.tas.gov.au
Website: www.veterans.tas.gov.au