3 minute read
Clear message to Canberra FES
by Boylen
Four days after the Federal Government announced further consultation on a Fuel Efficiency Standard, the MTA SA/NT joined a high level delegation in Canberra to speak with three key ministers, as well as senior public servants. The message was clear.
“Go too hard and you will create an affordability crisis,” said MTA SA/NT CEO, Darrell Jacobs.
“Go too soft and we will not incentivise the entry of new zero and low emission vehicles into the country.”
The MTA SA/NT has welcomed the Government’s announcement it is seeking feedback from both industry and the community on its proposed fuel efficiency standard. He said the standard would be critical in balancing the growth of more fuel efficient vehicles, while maintaining affordable vehicle choice for everyday South Australian motorists.
MTAA CEO Matthew Hobbs urged the government to partner with industry to get the workforce in place to support the EV transition.
“As stakeholders resolve EV supply and range issues in Australia, the next challenge is to implement the required workforce. EVs are cuttingedge technology and as such need a highly trained Australian workforce. A good first step is to make more apprentices eligible for the New Energy Apprentices Program,” he said.
The MTAA is concerned not all car companies will make the transition. The huge technology shift brings opportunities but also risks for Australian small businesses and automotive workers who can lose their investment and livelihoods at the whim of international car companies in offshore headquarters.
Australian automotive workers and small businesses need the Albanese government to have their back in this period of change with an Automotive Industry Code of Conduct to protect workers who are at the mercy of multinational companies.
Warning
The top five cars sold in South Australia are utes or 4WD.
This prompted a warning from Mr Jacobs: “Whether for work or lifestyle, South Australians love their utes and 4X4s. We must adopt an ambitious but realistic approach in light of vehicle segments without readily available or affordable EV options.
A Fuel Efficiency Standard (FES) would cap the carbon emissions per kilometre on the average total sales for each car brand.
“In balancing the interests of industry, consumers and the environment, the standard needs to be ambitious, yet achievable,” Mr Jacobs reiterated.
“The FES will impact affordability and determine how quickly Australia transitions to zero and low emission vehicles.”
Automotive Industry Unites In Canberra
MTAA Chair and MTA SA/NT Chair Frank Agostino joined MTAA Board members, MTAA CEO Matthew Hobbs, MTA SA/NT CEO Darrell Jacobs, MTA Government Policy Managers and CEOs from each state Association in Canberra.
They held a series of high-level meetings with senior Ministers, Senators and politicians. These included:
• Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen
• Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King
• Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins
• Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Ted O’Brien
• Senator Bridget McKenzie
The delegation also met Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, Tony Zappia, alongside his committee colleagues who are examining Australia’s transition to EVs.
The automotive industry’s transition to zero and low-emission vehicles was high on the agenda, alongside automotive franchising reform and skills and training.
It was important that the associations made a powerful and united statement to national decision makers at what is undoubtedly one of the most important moments in Australia’s automotive history.
