Federal Nationals Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has called out the Albanese Labor Government over its plans to jack up prices of Australia's most popular cars and utes as part of its proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standards and push towards electric vehicles.
Mr McCormack said despite Australians facing a cost-of-living crisis, Labor has taken it upon itself to recklessly pursue its New Vehicle Efficiency Standards which will hike the cost of brand-new cars and utes.
"Labor's car taxes will disincentivise Australians from upgrading to newer and safer models, instead encouraging us to keep our older models, which will be worse for the environment and road safety in the long run.
"Since coming to Government, Labor has cost a worker earning $85,0000 per year more than $7,600 in lost purchasing power. Now it wants you to pay tens of thousands more for a SUV, 4WD or ute, according to research undertaken by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries."
Mr McCormack said by 2029, Australia's most popular new car, the Ford Ranger, may face up to $17,950 in additional tax because of these new standards, whilst the Toyota LandCruiser, popular amongst farmers and regional families, may face up to $25,050 in additional costs.
"Even budget-friendly hybrids are expected to cost more under Labor's plan, with the Toyota Corolla Hybrid expected to cost up to $4,650 more at the lowest estimate," Mr McCormack said.
"It is becoming ever more clear Labor simply does not care, nor understand the needs of Australians living outside the big cities and is willing to saddle us with a new tax worth $38 billion by the end of the decade.
"The reality is, out here, we need cars to get almost everywhere, whether that be to work, to the shops, or to a doctor; and Labor's changes will disproportionately punish those outside the big cities.
"We don't have access to multibillion-dollar metros and tram networks, nor enough charging stations to satisfy Labor's electric vehicle obsession – not to mention the current state of our electricity grid.
"Labor is happy to use blunt force – via punishing taxes – to cajole Australians into buying electric vehicles which are, for most people in regional Australia, either too expensive or simply impractical."
Mr McCormack said we need to stop this blind ideological adherence to the belief electric vehicles are inherently – and always – better.
"Whilst there is no doubt fossil fuels cause harm, let's not forget how resource intensive the manufacturing of car batteries is, as well as the significant ethical issues, including modern slavery, involved in the mining of rare earth minerals required to manufacture them.
"Recent experiments have also cast significant doubt upon the popular claim electric vehicles are much cheaper to drive. One such experiment, on a drive between Melbourne and Sydney, found the electric version of a BMW SUV was more expensive to run and, due to charging, took significantly longer than its petrol counterpart.
"The government needs to come to its senses and start delivering practical solutions for everyday Australians, not just those in the big cities who can better afford Labor's reckless revenue-raising agenda."
