Rex Patrick (SA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend business notice of motion No. 919.

Leave granted.

I amend the motion in the terms circulated in the chamber and move the motion as amended:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) the Government has failed to deliver the National Electric Vehicle strategy it promised in 2019,

  (ii) the Government has ignored the findings and recommendations of the 2019 Senate select committee inquiry on electric vehicles,

  (iii) the Government has overlooked evidence provided by the Parliamentary Budget Office in 2019, which proves the viability of a budget-neutral electric vehicle transition,

  (iv) in the absence of a National Electric Vehicle strategy a piecemeal state-by-state approach is unfolding, which is leading to inconsistent taxation and apprehension that is a disincentive to electric vehicle uptake, and

  (v) the Government's 'technology not taxes' slogan is inconsistent with its lack of action on the unstoppable adoption of electric vehicle,

  (vi) Any road user charge for electric vehicles should be implemented on a national level and not left to the states, and involve close consultation with the public, industry and automobile associations;

(b) condemns the Morrison Government for failing to work with the states on a national approach to the timing and design of road user charges for electric vehicles; and

(c) calls on the Government to provide national leadership on electric vehicles by delivering a standalone National Electric Vehicle strategy.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government supports a consumer's right to choose any vehicle technology that suits their needs. Our future fuels strategy will not be limited to one technology but will consider a variety including hybrids, electric, hydrogen fuel cell and biofuel vehicles. The government is already putting in funding behind this, with the $74½ million future fuels package announced as part of the $1.9 billion package for new energy technologies in the budget. New vehicle technologies should be treated equitably with traditional petrol and diesel cars to ensure all motorists contribute to the upkeep of road infrastructure.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 919 standing in the name of Senator Patrick, as amended, be agreed to.