Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens’ Small Business spokesperson
Tasmania’s burgeoning social enterprise sector will be supported by the Greens, under our policy to establish a peak body in the state.
Social enterprises are businesses that are fundamentally interested in creating positive social change and helping to solve problems such as entrenched unemployment, food security, and environmental degradation. Such businesses will be integral to our transition to a carbon-free economy.
A lack of funding under the Liberals has seen social enterprises struggle, with the Tasmanian Social Enterprise Network inactive for four years. The Greens will reinvigorate the sector with $350,000 for a peak body, and $300,000 in annual seed funding grants to help kick start projects.
A further $500,000 per year will be provided for low-interest loans, and another $500,000 per year will act as government-backed bonds to help attract private investors. The bonds will yield dividends according to criteria set by government.
The scheme is derived from similar programs around the world that aim for the “triple bottom line”: good for the economy, good for the environment, good for the community.
Only the Greens have the foresight to help the industries of the 21st century establish themselves in Tasmania.