Concessions

Below is the list of concessions available in the concessions category. To view each concession, click on its name. To expand or collapse the information for every concession use the button below:
STUDENT TRAVEL
Adult student transport 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 student transport concessions - special circumstance
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
Apprentice and trainee travel allowances for off-the-job training
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
Conveyance allowance
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
Student bus fares
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.
Student free travel - urban, urban fringe and rural areas
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
PARKING
Disability Parking Permit
Enables Transport Access Scheme members to use disability parking spots and provides additional time in areas controlled by parking signs (including parking meters).
Applicant must have a permanent disability that severely affects physical mobility and has been assessed as meeting eligibility criteria for membership of the Transport Access Scheme.
Completion of a Transport Access Scheme membership application form, including a medical component to be completed by a medical practitioner.
For more information:
Department of State Growth
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au
VISION IMPAIRED TRAVEL PASS (public bus and River Derwent ferry)
Vision Impaired Travel Pass - Public bus and River Derwent Ferry
Public bus and River Derwent ferry, and Area Connect public transport services
Applicants for this card must hold a Pensioner Concession Card endorsed for Disability Support Pension Blind or Age Blind Pension, or a DVA (Blind) Pension or provide an assessment by an ophthalmologist.
The cardholder, attendant and/or accompanying mobility instructor authorised by Guide Dogs Tasmania travel free.
For more information:
Department of State Growth
Website: www.transport.tas.gov.au
ISLAND TRANSPORT SERVICES
Bass Strait islands air travel concession
A rebate of 50% on the cost of one return trip to mainland Tasmania per financial year is available to age pensioners living on Bass Strait islands who have:
- Eligible concession cards.
- Proof of flight itinerary and purchase cost.
For more information:
Department of State Growth
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au
Sealink Bruny Island Ferry concession
Discounted SeaLink Bruny Island ferry fares are available if the driver of the vehicle travelling on the ferry holds an eligible concession card. Card must be presented at check-in to receive the discount, or full-fares apply.
For more information:
Sealink Bruny Island
Phone: 1300 127 869
Web: www.sealinkbrunyisland.com.au
PRIMARY SCHOOL (K-6), HIGH SCHOOL AND SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL
School Uniform Exceptional Assistance Scheme
Assistance to buy government school uniforms may be available for students in exceptional or extenuating family circumstances.
An exceptional circumstance may include an event like a house fire; therefore, a concession card would not be required. The amount of assistance to be provided is determined by school social workers on a case-by-case basis.
For more information:
Contact a social worker at the student’s school.
Spectacles assistance
Assistance to buy glasses 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 an eligible concession card are eligible to apply.
Assistance is also available to grandparent’s raising grandchildren. Grandparents may need to provide proof that their grandchild is legally in their care.
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).
Application forms are only available at participating optometrists. Parents/ guardians of students who believe they may be eligible for assistance need to speak directly with their optometrist.
For more information:
Department for Education, Children and Young People
Phone: 1800 827 055
Email: FAU@decyp.tas.gov.au
Web: decyp.tas.gov.au
Student assistance
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 an eligible concession card.
Assistance with levies in a government school per school year, if the student attends a non-government school parents/guardians need to discuss what assistance is available with their school as assistance to families is at the discretion of the school. Catholic schools do not participate in the STAS scheme and directly assess eligibility for assistance to families.
You can contact your school directly for a confidential discussion about financial assistance.
For more information:
Department for Education, Children and Young People
Phone: 1800 827 055
Email: stas@decypp.tas.gov.au
Web: decyp.tas.gov.au
ADULT EDUCATION
Adult education course
Concessions on fees for most adult education courses are available to full-time students and holders of eligible concession cards.
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/
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation allowance for students (year 11 and 12)
Financial support 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.
$1,472 is available for full-time students who study for the full academic year (payments of $736 twice a year). The allowance is limited to a maximum of two years, unless special circumstances exist. Application forms are available on the department’s website or from the Financial Assistance Unit via email.
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
Parks and Heritage
National Parks passes
A 20% discount on annual and two-year National Parks passes is available to eligible concession card holders.
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 your pass through the website.
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
Overland Track
A discount on booking fees is available to eligible concession card holders.
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
Port Arthur Historic Site
Discounted entry fees are available to eligible concession card holders.
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
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (Botanical Shop)
Discounted guided tours and a 10% discount in the Botanical Shop are available to eligible concession card holders.
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: contact@gardens.tas.gov.au
Web: www.gardens.tas.gov.au
The Cascades Female Factory Historic Site
Discounted entry fees are available to eligible concession card holders.
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
The Hastings Experience, Mole Creek Caves and Highfield Historic Site
Discounted tickets for the Hastings Experience (Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs), Mole Creek Caves and Highfield Historic Site are available to eligible concession card holders.
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
Three Capes Track
A discount on booking fees is available to eligible concession card holders.
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
STUDENT TRAVEL
Adult student transport concessions
Adult students are eligible for adult concession fares on public bus and ferry services when enrolled full time at any senior secondary college, university, TasTAFE or Tasmanian College of English.
Concession applies from the start of the year in which the recipient turns 19 while eligibility is maintained.
Up to 50% off the full fare. A further 20% discount is applied when using a smartcard like Greencard, Transportme, or a 10-trip ticket, where available.
For more information:
Contact your bus service operator.
Web: transport.tas.gov.au
Adult student transport concession - special circumstance
Adult students may be eligible for a special circumstance student bus pass. This pass allows them to travel at the child student fare on one or more fare-charging bus services between 6.00am and 7.00pm on school days.
Eligibility:
- Are aged 18 years or older on 1 January in the year of study.
- Enrolled full time at: any senior secondary college, any university, TasTAFE or Tasmanian College of English.
- Are studying at a level that is no higher than is offered to any year 11 or 12 student at a senior secondary college.
- 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
Apprentice and trainee travel allowances for off-the-job training
Contribution toward the cost of travel and accommodation for eligible apprentices and trainees.
Eligibility
- Have a training contract that’s active under the Training and Workforce Development Act 2013.
- Travel over 21 kilometres to attend off-the-job training or assessments that are part of their training plan.
For travel in Tasmania, apprentices and trainees can receive:
- 41 cents per kilometre for off-the-job training travel over 42 kilometres return.
- 45 cents per kilometre for off-job training travel over 42 kilometre return for West Coast students.
- $55 per night accommodation allowance when travel is 61 kilometres or more each way.
Where apprentices and trainees must travel interstate for training, the Tasmanian Government will:
- Contribute to the cost of airfares.
- Pay $100 accommodation allowance per night.
Complete the ‘Tasmanian Apprentice and Trainee Travel and Accommodation Contribution Claim Form’ to receive the eligible contribution. The registered training organisation must send signed forms to Skills Tasmania.
For more information:
Skills Tasmania
Phone: 6165 6055
Email: travelclaims@skills.tas.gov.au
Web: www.skills.tas.gov.au
Conveyance allowance
An allowance to assist with the cost of transporting students to the nearest school or school bus service is available.
Eligibility:
- 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.
- 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.
The allowance is $0.28 per kilometre travelled on public roads. Applications must be received by 15 May to be assessed for the whole school year, or by 15 November to be assessed for terms 3 and 4 only.
For more information:
Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: passenger.transport@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au
Student bus fares
Child students always pay a flat fare on public transport, regardless of distance, location, or purpose of travel.
- Under 18 years or turning 18 years in the year of study.
- Enrolled full-time at any senior secondary college, any university, TasTAFE or Tasmanian College of English.
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.
Student free travel - urban, urban fringe and rural areas
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:
Eligibility:
- Under 18 years or turning 18 years in the year of study.
- Enrolled full-time at any senior secondary college, any university, TasTAFE or Tasmanian College of English.
In addition, students must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Have an eligible concession card, listed as a dependant on the card, or 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
TasTAFE
Fee Waiver
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
Student childcare subsidy
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
Tuition fees
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
Vehicles
Duty on the transfer of motor vehicle (company cessation)
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
Duty on the transfer of motor vehicle (matrimonial changes)
A 100% exemption from duty on the transfer of a motor vehicle from one person to another is available.
Eligibility
Available to people involved in a:
- Marriage that is dissolved or annulled.
- A breakdown of a de facto relationship.
- A 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
Duty on the transfer of motor vehicle ownership (deceased estate)
A 100% exemption from duty on the transfer of a motor vehicle to a beneficiary of a deceased estate is available to
Eligibility:
- 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
Duty on vehicle registration
A 100% exemption from duty on vehicle registration applications and transfers is available.
Eligibility:
- Hold a DVA Veteran Gold Card printed 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
Motor tax (100 per cent exemption)
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.
- 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
Motor tax (40 per cent rebate)
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.
Eligibility:
The rebate is available to people who hold one of the following:
- An eligible concession 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
Motor vehicle registration compulsory third party insurance (MAIB)
A concession of $58 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).
Eligibility:
- An eligible concession card.
- A member of the Transport Access Scheme (for people with a severe disability).
- Eligible asylum seekers.
Note: The 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
Vehicle registration
The discounts shown 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 ($60.20)
- Trailers (including caravans).
- Motorcycles ($55.07).
Eligibility:
- An eligible concession card.
- 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
Licences
Driver licence
Eligible applicants aged under 65 years can receive savings between $13.09 and $63.58, depending on the length of time the full driver licence is issued.
Eligibility:
- An eligible concession card.
- 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 photo fee of $12.64.
For more information:
Department of State Growth
Phone: 1300 135 513
Email: dlu@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au
Firearms fees
A 20% reduction on firearm fees is available to eligible concession card holders from 1 July 2024.
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
Hunting licence
Under the new Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulations 2021, Game Licences are now referred to as 'Hunting Licences' for game species.
A 20% discount for hunting licences applies for:
- Deer
- Wallaby
- Mutton bird
- Pheasant
- Wild duck
- Brown quail.
Eligibility:
- An eligible concession card.
For more information:
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
Phone: 6165 4305
Email: wildlife.services@nre.tas.gov.au
Web: NRE Wildlife Management
Inland recreational angling licence
Savings on 2024-25 full season adult angling licences are available.
Eligibility:
- An eligible concession card.
- Seniors Card holders – all States and Territories (discount of 20%).
- People aged between 14 and 17 years (100% discount).
- People age between 18 and 21 years (45% discount).
For more information:
Inland Fisheries Services
Phone: 1300 463 474
Email: infish@ifs.tas.gov.au
Web: www.ifs.tas.gov.au
Recreational sea fishing licence
A 50% discount on the licence application fee is available.
Eligibility:
- An eligible concession card.
- 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
Water 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.
- 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)
Health
Adult dental service
Subsidised emergency, general and denture services* are available to adults** who have:
- An eligible concession card.
- A DVA Veteran 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.
** Adults listed as a partner (dependent) on a Services Australia Concession Card may be eligible for services, please contact Oral Health Services Tasmania to confirm eligibility for services.
For more information:
Oral Health Services Tasmania
Phone: 1300 011 013
Web: www.health.tas.gov.au
Children's dental service
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
Continuous Positive Airways Pressure Program
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.
Eligibility:
- Have a prescription from a sleep specialist.
- An eligible concession 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
Enteral feeds and supplements
Subsidised nutrition is available when a person:
- Holds an eligible concession card.
- Is assessed by a dietitian.
Eligibility for a referral to another service
Referral to another service for subsidised nutrition is available to people who:
- Are eligible for compensation (MAIB workers compensation or any common law compensation), or where compensation payment has been made that includes future nutritional support.
- Are receiving financial assistance from any other government-funded organisation or program (including DVA Veteran Gold).
- Have a funding package through an aged care provider (if their plan includes nutritional support).
- Live in a residential facility, accommodation service or private hospital whose funding arrangements include nutritional support.
- Hold a NDIS plan that includes nutritional support.
- Are registered with 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
Home Oxygen Program
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.
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
Patient travel assistance
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.
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
Pharmaceuticals
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 medications at a maximum cost of $31.60* per prescription item. A maximum of $7.70* per prescription item is available to:
- Eligible concession card holders.
- PBS Safety Net Concessions Card issued by a pharmacy.
Holders of a PBS Safety Net Entitlement Card will not be charged for their medication.
*These amounts are 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
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:
- Live independently at home.
- Transition home after acute care.
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 an eligible 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.
- * Department of Veterans Affairs (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.
DVA cardholders are encouraged to contact DVA on 1800 838 372 to find out more.
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
Visual aids
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 $436.05 per item.
Eligibilty:
- A permanent Tasmanian resident for at least three continuous months prior to application (refugees not required to satisfy this criteria).
- Able to satisfy the means test.
- An eligible concession card.
- Low income earners under hardship provisions.
- Persons not able to claim from private health insurance, workers compensation or any other source.
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.
To apply visit the website for an application form. Complete and send with the prescription to the Statewide Spectacles Scheme.
For more information:
Spectacles Assistance Scheme, Department of Health
Phone: 1800 232 148
Web: Eyes and vision (Ophthalmology) | Tasmanian Department of Health
Wigs
Financial assistance is available to cancer and alopecia patients who are referred by a doctor and have a:
- An eligible concession card.
- 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
SPECIFIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Lymphoedema
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
Orthotic / Prosthetic Services
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
TAXIS
Taxi Subsidy Program - 50 per cent concession
A 50% concession on the cost of taxi travel is available to people:
- With a permanent disability that severely affects physical mobility and who have been assessed as meeting eligibility criteria for membership of the Transport Access Scheme and hold a valid concession status.
A maximum subsidy of $25 per single journey applies.
Completion of a Transport Access Scheme membership application form, including a medical component to be completed by a medical practitioner.
For more information:
Department of State Growth
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au
Taxi Subsidy Program - 60 per cent concession
A 60% concession on the cost of taxi travel is available to people:
With a permanent disability that severely affects physical mobility.
Who are wheelchair reliant and have been assessed as meeting eligibility criteria for membership of the Transport Access Scheme.
A maximum subsidy of $30 per single journey applies.
Completion of a Transport Access Scheme membership application form, including a medical component to be completed by a medical practitioner.
For more information:
Department of State Growth
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au
Electricity
Annual electricity concession
The annual electricity concession provides a daily discount to eligible customers as a cents per day rate. The current concession is 173.296 cents per day and available to:
- Eligible concession card holders.
- ImmiCard (Bridging Visa E) holders.
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.
Energy Bill Relief Fund
The Tasmanian and Commonwealth Governments partnered to deliver cost of living relief through lower energy bills delivered through the Energy Bill Relief Fund. Through the fund, eligible households can receive $250 of electricity bill rebates in 2024-25. The rebates will come as two separate bill discounts of $125 applied in the first and fourth quarter of 2024-25.
Eligibility:
The electricity account holder must, on 1 July 2024, be a recipient or holder of:
- An eligible concession card.
- Family Tax Benefit (FTB) A and B.
- Carer Allowance.
Households that are eligible for the rebate but not eligible for the Annual Electricity Concession, should contact their retailer to register.
Customers that are currently eligible and verified with their retailer to receive the Annual Electricity Concession are automatically eligible for the Energy Bill Relief Rebate. These customers will receive their rebate automatically from their retailer in the first quarter bill from 1 July 2024.
If you are eligible for the Annual Electricity Concession, but do not currently receive it, please contact your electricity retailer to register.
Once registered, your electricity retailer will automatically apply:
- A $125 rebate in the September quarter 2024.
- A $125 rebate in the June quarter of 2025.
If you don’t receive electricity from an electricity retailer and are on an embedded network (for instance you receive electricity via your landlord in a caravan park or retirement home or village) you are still eligible and will need to apply for the rebate as a grant payment through the Department of State Growth. Further information for embedded network customers is available from the website.
For more information:
Contact your electricity retailer.
For details on how to apply visit www.recfit.tas.gov.au
Energy Bill Relief Fund Extension
The Australian Government has extended the Energy Bill Relief Fund in 2024-25 to all Tasmanian households. There are no concession requirements.
Quarterly bill discounts of $75, up to a maximum amount of $300, will be applied to all residential accounts throughout 2024-25.
Households will receive their rebates automatically from their retailer through their electricity bill.
If you are on an embedded network you are still eligible and will need to apply for the rebate as a grant payment through the Department of State Growth. Further information for embedded network customers is available from the website.
The Energy Bill Relief Fund Extension is in addition to any Energy Bill Relief Fund rebate you may be eligible for under the original scheme in 2024-25.
For more information:
Contact your electricity retailer.
Web recfit.tas.gov.au
Heating allowance
The Heating Allowance is a payment of $56 per year paid in two payments of $28. Payments are made under the Pensioners (Heating Allowances) Act 1971.
Eligibility:
- Means tested (income and assests).
- Hold eligible concession card.
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
Life support concession
The life support concession is a daily discount to eligible people 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 - 128.445 cents
- Peritoneal dialysis machine - 95.299 cents
- Haemodialysis machine - 95.299 cents
- Chronic positive pressure and airways regulator - 45.577 cents
- Continuous positive airways pressure machine - 45.577 cents
- Respirator (iron lung) - 169.878 cents
- Combination oxygen concentrator and chronic positive pressure and airways regulator - 174.022 cents
- Phototherapy machine - 242.049 cents
- Left ventricular assist device - 45.577 cents
- Nebuliser machine (main powered only) - 12.881 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.
Medical cooling or heating concession
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 51.906 cents per day.
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.
Property, Water and Land Tax
Duty for first home buyers of established homes
Duty relief for first home buyers of established homes based on the date of the transfer is available.
- A duty concession applies between 7 February 2018 to 17 February 2024 inclusive.
- A duty exemption applies between 18 February 2024 to 30 June 2026 inclusive.
A - Duty concession between: 7 February 2018 to 17 February 2024 inclusive:
This concession provides a 50 per cent discount on property transfer duty for first home buyers of established homes, which have a dutiable value of: $400 000 or less for purchases of established homes that settle (i.e. transfers that complete) between 7 February 2018 and 15 March 2021 inclusive; or $500 000 or less for purchases of established homes that settle (i.e. transfers that complete) between 16 March 2021 and 31 December 2021 inclusive; or $600 000 or less for purchases of established homes that settle (i.e. transfers that complete) between 1 January 2022 and 17 February 2024 inclusive.
B - Duty exemption between 18 February 2024 to 30 June 2026 inclusive: The exemption provides an exemption from property transfer duty for first home buyers of established homes which have a dutiable value of $750 000 or less which settle (i.e. transfers that complete) between 18 February 2024 to 30 June 2026.
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
Duty for pensioners downsizing to a new home
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 2025 inclusive and the property being acquired has a property value of $600,000 or lower.
- 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
Duty on intergenerational primary production transfers
An exemption from duty on the transfer of property used for 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
Duty on the transfer of matrimonial property following a breakdown of a de facto relationship
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.
Eligibility:
- Partners in a de facto relationship that has broken down.
- A child of the relationship is 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
Duty on the transfer of matrimonial property following a marriage breakdown
An exemption from duty on the transfer of matrimonial property from one spouse to another, or to a child of the marriage, is available.
Eligibility:
- Partners in a marriage that has broken down.
- A child of the relationship is 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
Duty on the transfer of property following breakdown of a personal relationship
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, unmarried and carer relationships) is available.
- Partners in a personal relationship that has broken down.
- 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
Duty on transfer of real property into joint names
An exemption from duty on the transfer of property into joint names is available.
Eligibility:
- 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
Land tax on land adjoining principal residence land
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
Land tax on primary production land
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
Land tax on principal residence land
A land tax concession may be available for land (as at 1 July each year).
- On which a dwelling exists.
- Where the owner (who has at least a 50 percent interest in the land) resides as their principal place of residence.
A rebate on land tax may be available on land on which a dwelling is built as the principal place of 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
Land tax on principal residence land affected by a natural disaster
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.
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
Land tax on principal residence land following the death of the owner
The principal residence land concession may continue to apply for one further financial year following the death of an owner of a property.
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
Land tax on principal residence land in transitional circumstances
A 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
Land tax on principal residence or primary production land
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
Land tax on properties with new dwellings made available for long term rentals
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
Land tax on properties with short term accommodation converting to long term rental
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
Water and sewerage concession
Eligible TasWater customers can receive a Tasmanian Government funded discount of up to $237.78 ($118.89 for water charges and $118.89 for sewerage charges) for the 2024-25 financial year.
Eligibility:
- Must be legally responsible for the TasWater account.
- Resides at the property as their principal place of residence.
- An eligible concession card including:
- Services Australia or DVA issued Pensioner Concession Card.
- Services Australia issued Health Care Card.
- DVA issued Veterans Gold Card.
Customers are encouraged to submit the application at the start of the financial year (1 July 2024) 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 Services Australia or DVA, which requires you to provide consent to share your information with Services Australia or DVA.
For more information:
TasWater
Phone: 136 992
Email: enquiries@taswater.com.au
Web: www.taswater.com.au/Your-Account/Concessions-and-Rebates
Housing
Council rates concession
A reduction on local government rates to the lesser of the capped amount or 30% is available as of 1 July, each year.
Eligibility:
- Hold an eligible concession card.
- Reside at the property as their principal place of residence.
- Is legally responsible to the council for the rates of the property.
For more information:
Contact your relevant local council.
Family violence rapid rehousing
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.
Eligibility:
- Families or individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to leaving a violent relationship.
- Perpetrators requiring alternative housing so the family can remain in the family home.
- Be 16 years or older and meet all other eligibility requirements for social housing, with the exception that there are no income or asset eligibility requirements for family violence rapid rehousing.
Housing Connect
Phone: 1800 800 588 (Statewide freecall)
Housing Connect
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 (public, community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander).
- Rapid rehousing.
- Private rental incentives program.
- Support accommodation.
Private rental assistance
- To assist with moving into a new home, including bond and/or rent in advance.
- To assist you to stay in your private rental, including assistance with rent arrears.
- Finding a bed for the night.
- Support relating to family violence.
Advice and assistance with other forms of housing assistance.
Support for your current housing crisis, including referrals to personalised support.
Phone: 1800 800 588 (Statewide freecall)
MyHome shared equity
Home Ownership Assistance
MyHome is the Tasmanian Government’s shared equity program that helps Tasmanians purchase their own home sooner. Under MyHome, the cost of buying your home is shared with Homes Tasmania.
Eligibility:
- Income that covers the costs of purchasing and owning a home.
- Be under income and financial asset limits (refer to website).
- Live in Tasmania.
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be an individual at least 18 years old (not a business or organisation).
- Have a minimum deposit of 2% of the purchase price.
- Not own or have an interest in any other real property.
- Other eligibility requirements and information is available on the website.
Available assistance includes:
- Up to a maximum of $300,000 or 40 per cent (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 per cent (whichever is the lesser amount) of the purchase price for purchasers of existing homes.
For more information:
Bank of us
Phone: 1300 306 716
Other Housing Assistance
Assistance is available to Tasmanians who meet the eligibility criteria for other housing assistance. This includes crisis and transitional accommodation and brokerage funds to help facilitate assistance in the private market for people with specific needs where needed.
Eligibility:
- Homeless or at risk of being homeless.
- Living in unsafe housing or who cannot stay where they normally live .
For more information:
Housing Connect
Phone: 1800 800 588 (Statewide freecall)
Private rental assistance
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:
- 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
Private Rental Incentives Program
Assistance is available to eligible Tasmanians to access private rental accommodation at an affordable rent.
Private Rental Incentives 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:
- Low-income earners based on eligibility limits for retaining a Services Australia Health Care Card.
- Be 18 years or older and meet all other requirements for social housing assistance.
- Be able to live independently, with no previous issues looking after a rental property.
For more information:
Housing Connect
Phone: 1800 800 588 (Statewide freecall)
Social Housing
Social housing includes community housing, public housing and housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Social housing properties are managed by Homes Tasmania and community housing providers.
Around half of social housing is managed by community housing providers in Tasmania. Applicants are encouraged to apply for housing with all the providers in the region they live.
Eligibility:
- Live in Tasmania.
- Be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident including refugee visa subclasses 200, 201, 202, 203 and 204.
- Be 16 years or older.
- Be a low-income earner who is eligible for a Commonwealth Health Care Card.
- Not own land or a home of your own.
- Not have financial assets worth more than $35,000 (more details on website).
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)
Supported Accommodation
Assistance is available to Tasmanians on low incomes who require supported accommodation and/or have specific needs.
Eligibility:
- Homeless.
- Living with a disability.
- Affected by mental illness.
- 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)
SPIRIT OF TASMANIA TT-LINE
Spirit of Tasmania (TT-Line)
Discounted passenger fares are available to eligible concession card holders. 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 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
GENERAL TRAVEL SERVICES
Adult travel concession (public bus and River Derwent ferry)
Public bus and River Derwent ferry
A discount of 50% off the full fare. A further 20% discount is applied when using a smartcard like Greencard, Transportme, or a 10-trip ticket, where available.
Eligibility:
- An eligible concession card.
- Aged 70 years and over.
- Evidence of immigration status (EIS).
- Residence Determination ImmiCard (RDI) issued by the Department of Home Affairs.
- DVA Veteran Gold Card printed with War Widow.
- Eligible adult students.
Free travel is available for:
- Companion Card cardholder companions.
- Vision Impairment Travel Pass cardholders, their attendant and guide dog.
- DVA Veteran Gold Card printed with TPI or EDA.
For more information:
Department of State Growth
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au/public_transport/concessions
Companion Card (public bus and River Derwent Ferry)
Public bus and River Derwent ferry, and Area Connect public transport services
The cardholder’s companion receives free bus travel when accompanying the cardholder who pays their own fare.
Passenger must show Companion card for companion to travel free.
For more information:
Department of State Growth
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au
DVA TPI and EDA Pensioners (public bus and River Derwent ferry)
Public bus and River Derwent ferry, and Area Connect public transport services
Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) and Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) pensioners are entitled to free travel.
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
Web: www.transport.tas.gov.au
Other
Access to computers, the internet and learning programs
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: 1800 808 303
Email: libraries.tas@libraries.tas.gov.au
Web: www.libraries.tas.gov.au
Enduring Power of Attorney
When the Public Trustee is appointed as the attorney, there is no charge to prepare an Enduring Power of Attorney for eligible concession card holders.
Eligibility card must be presented and applies to one appointment in a 12-month period.
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
Making a Will
Where the Public Trustee is appointed as the executor, there is no charge to prepare a Will for eligible concession card holders.
Eligibility card must be presented and applies to one appointment in a 12-month period.
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
No Interest Essential Loan
NILS Tasmania provide small interest-free loans of up to $2,000 for essential household goods and services.
These are non-cash loans; you provide the quote for the product and NILS Tasmania pay the supplier.
Eligibility:
- An eligible concession card.
- Those on gross incomes up to $60,000 per year.
For more information:
NILS Network of Tasmania
Phone: 1300 301 650
Email: reception@nilstasmania.org.au
Web: www.nilstasmania.org.au
No Interest Micro Business Loan Program
Business support and small interest-free loans of up to $3,000 for business set-up, and for existing business owners.
Eligibility:
- An eligible concession card.
- Those on gross incomes up to $60,000 per year.
For more information:
Business Tasmania
Phone: 1800 440 026
Email: ask@business.tas.gov.au
Web: www.business.tas.gov.au
Police record checks for volunteers
A reduced fee of $7 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: Criminal.History.Services@police.tas.gov.au
Web: www.police.tas.gov.au
Right to Information requests
A waiver of fees to eligible applicants is available.
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.
Ticket to Play
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
Veterans Wellbeing Voucher Program
Vouchers to help with the cost of sport and community recreation club membership 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 two vouchers valued at $100 each ($200 in total). This voucher may be put towards the cost of membership fees, or associated costs at participating activity providers.
Eligibility:
- An eligible veteran (a veteran is a person who is a former member of the Australian Defence Force, including a reservist).
- Have a card issued by either the Department of Veterans' Affairs, or a card or identification number issued by the Department of Defence.
- Living in Tasmania.
- Must be participating in an eligible gym, community recreation or sporting club that requires the payment of an annual fee or charge to participate.
Veterans and activity providers can apply online. Vouchers must be redeemed by 5pm on 19 June each financial year.
For more information:
Veterans Wellbeing Voucher Program
Phone: 1800 009 501
Email: veterans.voucher@service.tas.gov.au
Website: www.veterans.tas.gov.au
Key
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