You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
The peak body for WA’s motor trades claims the National Electric Vehicle Strategy consultation paper is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver a truly fit for purpose plan for Australia’s unique situation.
Motor Trade Association WA (MTA WA) CEO Stephen Moir said the document launched today by the Albanese Government has captured the critical issues to be discussed in the development of a long-term strategy for the transition to electric and hydrogen powered vehicles.
“Our members and interstate colleagues are pleased that the consultation paper proposes the staged and balanced approach we’ve been lobbying for and also includes outlined goals, objectives and current and potential actions,” Mr Moir said.
“They are clear and consistent, reflecting both election commitments but also recognising many of our concerns by raising them as issues to explore further through consultation.”
CEO of the national Motor Trades Association (MTAA), Richard Dudley, said the timing of the release of the discussion paper could not have come at a better time.
“Leaders of Australia’s most prominent automotive representative and training organisations are returning this week from a comprehensive, in-depth examination of automotive industries, EV strategies, and their impacts in Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom and changing technologies with the global car and component manufacturers,” Mr Dudley said.
“Learnings from this study tour which culminated in more than two years of online engagement and analysis, combined with the input and knowledge base of thousands of automotive businesses employing tens of thousands of Australians, will inform MTAA and Member submissions to the Discussion Paper.”
“While Australia may well be behind other jurisdictions in EV policy and uptake, it is clear from European investigations that Australia is arguably in a far better position to avoid the potholes, pitfalls and unintended consequences of other EV transition pathways.”
Mr Dudley said the goals of affordability, expanding EV uptake and choice, reducing emissions, fuel savings, and potential for local manufacturing are broad enough to capture related matters that could impact outcomes.
MTA WA CEO Stephen Moir said, “While the ultimate national strategy should not limit the development of solutions to local challenges, the Commonwealth has a critical role in policy areas such as workforce, training, taxation, incentives and subsidies, CO2 emission targets and recycling.”
“This consultation paper demonstrates the collective voice of Australia’s Motor Trade Associations voice has been heard federally and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with all levels of government to achieve a sensible and sustainable transition to a ZLEV future,” Mr Moir concluded.
