The Australian government’s policies on fuel-guzzling utes and SUVs have been put under scrutiny ahead of the election. The opposition’s transport minister, Bridget McKenzie, has called Labor’s new vehicle emission standard “poorly designed” and suggested the Coalition will release its own transport policy before the election. The standard, which came into effect on January 1, sets an emissions limit for each car manufacturer, with penalties for exceeding the target.
The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has praised the standard, saying it is already working, with over 120 electric vehicles now available in Australia. The EVC’s head of legal policy and advocacy, Aman Gaur, notes that the standard is encouraging manufacturers to bring in more efficient and electric cars, which can save consumers around $3,000 a year on fuel and maintenance.
On the other hand, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) claims the standard is not working, with “pure” electric vehicle sales declining, and consumers preferring bigger, more polluting cars. The FCAI’s chief executive, Tony Weber, is calling for the government to work with industry to develop a pathway forward.
Experts agree that reducing emissions from vehicles is crucial for meeting climate targets and improving air quality. The Climate Council’s John Stone suggests that investing in alternative transportation options, such as bike paths and public transport, will be key to reducing the reliance on cars. The Australian love-hate relationship with utes and SUVs is a complex issue, with both sides of the debate having valid points. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how the government will address this critical issue.