The first budget from the Labor Federal Government was released this week and the reactions from the road transport and electric vehicle industry are positive. As always, the lobbyists with vested interests want more though most commentators are reluctant to go negative with uncertain economic times ahead.
Below is a selection of commentary from different industries within automotive and transport.
Stavros Yallouridis, CEO, Motor Traders’ Association NSW, said in a statement,
“We’re pleased to see increasing electric vehicle adoption being given a place in the Federal Budget, but the Motor Traders Association of NSW (MTA NSW) warns there is still a lot to do if mass adoption is to become a reality. Merely cutting the price of some EVs is not going to see Australia catch up with countries leading the EV adoption charge.
“NSW and Australia’s road infrastructure as well as maintenance and supply systems are in need of significant improvements and updates.
“Specialist training in electric car and battery maintenance for mechanics is critical to avoid workplace safety dangers and driver risks. In other words, the vehicles that the government is incentivising the purchase of, will need specialised maintenance that involves working with electricity – and that requires new equipment and careful training. Otherwise they are putting the electric cart before the horse! This training needs to be rolled out quickly and efficiently in a manner that is hands on for the mechanics with state-of-the-art equipment to keep up with the rapid pace of development witnessed in EVs.
“The Treasurer has announced a ‘fiscally sensible budget’ focused on setting the country up through difficult times ahead, however this budget does not address the major issues in the automotive sector, such as skills shortages, training and infrastructure to meet the government’s own targets on transitioning to EV.”
“Small businesses within the motor trading industry continue to struggle to find skilled workers and our data shows that there is currently a deficit of over 30,000 skilled professionals nationally.
“While the Federal Government has increased the skilled migration cap, it has not taken into account the rollout of electric vehicles and how this will further exacerbate the current skills shortage within our industry as we face the biggest transition period in our history. To service and repair EVs will require additional qualified professionals and an upskilling of the current workforce to safely and effectively undertake this work.”
Siddharth Shankar, General Manager, Zoomo Australia, said, “We welcome the government’s plans to prioritise renewable energy and the broader environment, and ultimately support the nation in its race to get to net zero.
Whilst the renewed focus on electric mobility from the Albanese government is a step in the right direction, we feel the budget failed to recognise the full breadth of electric vehicles in the sector. Light electric vehicles (LEVs), like e–bikes and e-cargo bikes, have undergone significant advancements in the last several years, yet have not been allocated the same level of incentives as electric cars despite their outsized impact on both emissions reductions and cost savings.
Individuals and businesses who have made the transition from traditional, petrol powered vehicles to light modern alternatives, have seen significant savings in operational costs each year. When you take into account just how essential commercial transport is for businesses’ alone, it’s undeniable that LEVs have the potential to help stem the cost of living crisis.
Our hope is that the investment in renewables and the environment further considers the full suite of clean mobility options. E-bike/LEV rebates, subsidies, bike loan-schemes, ride to work schemes and generally lifting the profile of micromobility are practical solutions that could have a momentous impact for society.”
Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) National Secretary Mark Diamond said the Budget made it clear that the Federal Government has a vital role to play in addressing transport congestion in Australia’s major cities.
“Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott famously declared that the Federal Government should ‘stick to its knitting’ by funding road projects but staying out of rail.
“Those days are over, and the Abbott Doctrine on transport funding is officially dead, buried and cremated.
“Australia now has a Federal Government that understands the economic importance of public transport infrastructure in our major cities.”
Mark Diamond said the RTBU’s Put Transport in the Fast Lane pre-election advocacy campaign highlighted the need for the Federal Government to increase investment in rail and public transport, and to build more trains, trams and buses in Australia.
“Investment in high quality public transport is most effective to way to bust urban congestion, while tackling cost of living pressures from rising fuel prices and reducing transport-related greenhouse gases.
“What’s more, the election showed that Australians want their Federal Government to take an active role in fixing their transport problems.”
