2020-10-12 Kangaroo Island

[Bodø]

Until Rusty mentioned it I didn't give a thought to government subsidies, especially with regards to Kangaroo Island or Straddie.  I just know the latter was a lot cheaper, and only thought about that when you mentioned the Wallaroo ferry.  I doubt the operators in Japan get government subsidies.

[ruSTynutz]

https://indaily.com.au/news/2020/01/13/ferry-operator-slams-sealink-subsidy-call-for-bushfire-hit-kangaroo-island/

I don't have an opinion either way, excepting in many cases subsidies disrupt the market place and obviously use "other people's money". In some instances they are warranted but I believe the case must be a good one.

I figure our Governments siphon enough cash from us through fuel excise/rego that they can afford to plough a little of it back in the form of a subsidy... 

Here's what they subsidise the Spirit of Tassie crossing: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/maritime/tasmanian-transport-schemes/bass-strait/

[Shillas]

I thought the subsidy to Tassie had something to do with the ferry being an extension of the national highway system, whereas Kangaroo Island isn't, so doesn't attract the subsidy.

[ruSTynutz]

I remember them proposing that many years ago but can't seem to find too much about it these days...

[Bodø]

I thought the subsidy to Tassie had something to do with the ferry being an extension of the national highway system, whereas Kangaroo Island isn't, so doesn't attract the subsidy.

I remember the first time I used a Murray River ferry and asked if I had to pay only to be told it was free as it was part of the road network.  Since either side of the Kangaroo Island is the B23 then by the same logic shouldn't that be free?   

[Bodø]

https://indaily.com.au/news/2020/01/13/ferry-operator-slams-sealink-subsidy-call-for-bushfire-hit-kangaroo-island/

I don't have an opinion either way, excepting in many cases subsidies disrupt the market place and obviously use "other people's money". In some instances they are warranted but I believe the case must be a good one.

In this case I don't think it would, because the other operator doesn't carry vehicles.

[Langers]

I suspect in this case we just dont have a large enough population to justify a second operator and hence we don't have competition to push down prices. I'm  glad we don't have a big population but occasionally  we have to pay a price for this.