Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

Thanks, Senator Van. I have been informed that it is the government's intention to undertake a review of this legislation to assess how it's proceeding. Of course, if there are amendments or tweaks that need to be made to that system to address the issues that you've raised, or any other issue which may arise, then we would consider doing so. I think the most important thing here, though, is that at last Australia does have a system to bring our vehicle emission standards into line with those of the rest of the developed world. My recollection is that we were previously right up there with Russia when it came to allowing the dirtiest vehicles, the most expensive vehicles to run, and the most fuel-demanding and heavy vehicles. Of course, all that does is put household budgets under further pressure. So this measure is very important to reduce the emissions of vehicles in Australia, bringing them into line with those of most of the rest of the developed world, and also to assist households to reduce their petrol bills at a time when they need that most.