“The focus on driving the shift towards ZEVs is a positive development that recognises the major opportunity to drive decarbonisation in Australia through the transport sector,” said RA President Michael Bushby.
“RA recently welcomed the Victorian Government’s suite of measures designed to enhance uptake of ZEVs. It is equally encouraging to note the NSW Budget’s commitment to waive stamp duty and offer rebates for ZEVs from 1 September this year.”
“As discussions at last week’s RA Transport Summit in Sydney made clear, our industry is eager to play its part in reducing transport sector emissions through the embrace of new vehicle technologies. It is encouraging that governments are increasingly matching this enthusiasm and supporting the switch to ZEVs through their policy settings.”
“It is also pleasing to note the substantial investments in charging infrastructure contained in the NSW Budget announced today, which was also a focus of recent Budgets delivered in Victoria and Queensland. Providing access to charging facilities along key routes – especially in regional areas – is essential to overcome ‘range anxiety’ which might otherwise inhibit ZEV uptake.”
“As RA has consistently noted, the shift to ZEVs will require us to review the way we pay for road infrastructure. Fuel excise was always intended to fund the construction and maintenance of our road networks. As it declines as a revenue source, we must ensure all governments have sufficient funds available to pay for the efficient, safe and sustainable road infrastructure our communities require.”
“Victoria has already legislated a modest road user charge for ZEVs. Today’s South Australian State Budget confirms plans to introduce legislation for a similar charge in the coming weeks, and NSW has also acknowledged this question will need to be addressed. Given the complexity of the issues involved, it is important that all remaining jurisdictions begin work on the issue in preparation for the impending changes.”
“RA acknowledges this will be a challenging reform that will require a mature and collaborative engagement between governments, industry and the community.”
“This makes it even more vital that all governments begin working now to develop a fair, nationally consistent road user charging model and implementation framework which offers greater certainty around the future funding base for road infrastructure.”