Changes introduced by Labor mean a Canberran buying a used hybrid RAV4 now pays more in stamp duty than if they were to buy a more polluting new Mazda CX-5 according to information unveiled by Leader of the ACT Greens Shane Rattenbury at Budget Estimates.
As stated by Leader of the ACT Greens, Shane Rattenbury:
"It's now a confirmed fact that in a climate crisis, this Labor government is making it harder for everyday Canberrans to transition away from fossil fuels.
"This change in regulation will mean that someone looking to do their bit in reducing emissions by buying a second-hand hybrid RAV4 will now pay more in stamp duty than if they were to buy a higher emissions new Mazda CX-5.
"The reality is that in a cost of living crisis, many Canberrans are looking for ways to save money. One way to do that is to switch from a petrol car to electric or hybrid, but this change in the Budget makes it harder for an everyday person to buy a used hybrid in this city. It's beggars belief.
"We want to make more efficient cars as available as possible and the second hand market is a really important part of that. We need to be doing everything we can to encourage and support people to make better climate choices.
"Labor needs to explain how this happened-and fix it. Canberrans shouldn't be penalised for choosing cleaner, lower-emission vehicles and doing their bit to tackle the climate crisis. This is an opportunity for them to act."
Budget Estimates has revealed a bizarre outcome under the Treasurer's changes: buyers of used, lower-emission vehicles (Category A and AA) are now being hit with higher stamp duty rate (3.17%) than those purchasing brand-new, higher-emission vehicles (Category B) (3.00%).
The Greens highlighted the example of a new Mazda CX-5-a petrol-heavy SUV-costing less after stamp duty than a more fuel-efficient used hybrid RAV4, despite both being available at a similar cost price.
