Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Community Services and Development
The Tasmanian Liberal Government continues to invest in our vital community service sector so that they can support more Tasmanians with the costs of living.
Our strong commitment to the No Interest Loan Scheme Tasmania (NILS) of over $4.5 million across the next four years not only increases the ability for Tasmanians to access safe, fair, and affordable credit to purchase energy-efficient appliances, but the service is enabling more Tasmanians to start or expand their small business.
Our 2021 election commitments included reducing the cost of living pressures on Tasmanians by doubling the current funding for the NILS Energy Saver Loan and Subsidy from $1 million to $2 million over a four-year period, supporting thousands of Tasmanians with energy costs and helping people stay out of the debt trap of payday lenders and to better manage their finances.
We supported NILS Network of Tasmania with a COVID grant to provide them with a new commercial digital loan management system that means they can support even more Tasmanians. By the end of 2021, NILS Tasmania loans had increased over the 12 months by 41% (2,519 in 2018/19 compared to 3,555 in 2021), ensuring people had essential goods they need – fridges, washing machines, computers, as well as repairs to cars, and installation of heat pumps to keep people warmer over winter.
Financial support services have also been extended through a partnership with Bank of us, Tasmania’s own customer-owned bank, who are providing $450,000 in loan capital for our MicroBusiness loans for those wanting to start or grow their own small business.
Tasmanians are also benefiting from NILS Tasmania’s new No Interest Loan for vehicles with our state being one of the pilot sites in Australia to help Tasmanians into safer vehicles through $5,000 no-interest loans for cars, motorbikes and mobility scooters.
To ensure all Tasmanians can access such financial support, Tasmania’s Neighbourhood House Network are integral in linking people to this service, as some of the 75 community helping people in need to understand and apply for a NILS loan, while also ensuring people are aware of any other services that they need, whether it be a referral for financial counselling, food, income support, or family violence assistance.
By working together alongside our vital community service sector, the Tasmanian Liberal Government will ensure all Tasmanians in need access the supports that they need.
