The Albanese Government's unfair tax on family cars, utes and hybrids commences today (July 1) adding up to $17,000 to the cost of new petrol and diesel fuelled cars by 2029.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator Bridget McKenzie, said Australian families and small businesses will start paying Labor's tax every time they buy a new car.
"In the midst of a cost of living crisis for Australian families, the country does not need Mr Albanese penalising drivers of petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars and utes with an additional tax," Senator McKenzie said.
"Labor is in a reckless rush to force people to buy electric vehicles through unfair and inequitable tax policies, despite failing to ensure the EV auto industry have provided enough public charging devices to meet community needs."
"The Albanese Government's car and ute tax will drive up the price of new and second hand cars and make life harder for Australian families to get the vehicles they need."
"Labor's tax is estimated to add up to $7,400 to the cost of a Ford Ranger in 2026 and up to $14,400 by 2029.
"The popular RAV4 hybrid family vehicle will incur almost $5,000 additional cost by 2029 as a result of Labor's tax.
"Labor's tax reduces choice for Australians by taxing families and business who don't want to or can't purchase an EV."
"There will be perverse impacts as a result of Labor's new tax, with many people likely to keep their current cars on the road for longer, meaning older, less fuel efficient and less safe cars on our streets and highways than might otherwise have been the case," Senator McKenzie said.
"Labor's new car and ute tax will further entrench the inequity between those who can afford to buy or are given a company car to drive, and those forced by work, location or circumstance to use petrol, diesel and hybrid cars."
Senator McKenzie said EV drivers are able to opt out of paying fuel excise used to fix and maintain the roads they drive on, while everyone else is taxed when they fill up at the bowser as well as now being hit with Labor's hefty tax when they buy a new car.
"The Government should not disadvantage the majority of Australians with new taxes to fulfil their EV ambitions.
"Labor should work with the auto industry, dealers and manufacturers on policies to improve vehicle technologies and fuel efficiency, allowing individuals to make their own choices, rather than imposing punitive taxes," Senator McKenzie said.
