FAMILY CAR TO COST THOUSANDS MORE UNDER LABOR
The Labor Government has announced their proposed Family Car and Ute Tax in a bid to reach their supercharged carbon emissions target and it’s going to cost families more.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox met with several car dealerships within the Dawson electorate this week and said that major concern is spreading throughout the industry.
“Dealerships right around my electorate of Dawson have written to me since the announcement of the Labor Government’s reckless targets for lower emission vehicles amid fears of what this policy will do to the industry, as well as to the communities’ they are a part of.
“These dealerships believe the government’s proposal goes too far too fast and will have significant consequences for the entire automotive industry and those associated with it.
“We know this policy is going to have consequences, and those include higher vehicle prices, both new and old, decreased market choice, as well as the very real possibility that consumers will become disincentivised to upgrade their vehicle.
“These dealerships contribute to the local economy in an enormous way. Not only do they employ hundreds of people in the regions, but they give back to the community by supporting multiple charities and sporting clubs.
“This is yet another rushed policy by the Labor Government without any real understanding of the flow on effects of their decisions.”
According to Mr Willcox car dealerships won’t be the only ones hurt under the revised vehicle emissions standards.
“During a Labor created cost-of-living crisis, families, and individuals in our electorate of Dawson are already hurting and struggling to make ends meet.
“Following this announcement, it has been revealed that consumers now intend to keep their current vehicles for longer than initially planned, and now run the risk of being priced out of the market completely.
“We know that the cost of Australia’s most popular SVUs and Utes will rise by up to $25,000 and in some cases that could push the price up so much they will incur the luxury car tax on top of that, but vehicles as small as a Toyota Corolla will increase in price as well.
“Electric vehicle mechanics are also already in short supply. Less than half of all advertised EV technician jobs were filled last year, so even if an individual or family can afford to upgrade their vehicle under this scheme, how are they going to get it serviced?
“We need a sustainable approach to lowering our emissions and this ill-advised policy is not the answer.
“The Coalition believes in a commonsense approach to protecting our environment, but we cannot stand for anything that is going to make it harder for families to manage their budgets, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.”
To have your say and stop Labor’s Family Car and Ute Tax visit www.familycar.tax to sign the petition.
Alternatively, if you have any concerns about the proposed changes, please contact my office at Andrew.Willcox.MP@aph.gov.au.