Published name
What state or territory do you live in?
What area best describes where you live?
1. Do you agree with the objectives and do you think they will achieve our proposed goals? Are there other objectives we should consider?
Yes I agree with the objectives - they strike a balance of well defined narrower goals and more broad longer term goals.
2. What are the implications if other countries accelerate EV uptake faster than Australia?
Implications are largely for our economy which can become relegated to a more rudimentary one which will result in a progressively more disadvantaged position relative to our global partners and competitors.
3. What are suitable indicators to measure if we are on track to achieve our goals and objectives?
One measure is to check back in against the measures used in the framing document, however I would like us additionally to look for Australia specific indicators where we might lead in particular areas - this would involve devising an inventory of where we may become global leaders because of our particular geography and enterprising talents.
4. Are there other measures by governments and industry that could increase affordability and accessibility of EVs to help drive demand?
Not that I can think of.
5. Over what timeframe should we be incentivising low emission vehicles as we transition to zero emission vehicles?
I am in favour of a results sensitive timeframe - ie a stronger scheme initially tapering off as we achieve closer to transitional targets.
6. What information could help increase demand and is Government or industry best placed to inform Australians about EVs?
Realistic education programs / information are important. For example, I consider myself reasonably well read in this area, however still do not know enough about sustainability/environmental benefits across the full life cycle of an EV compared to an ICE vehicle. For example, is it better to keep my ICE vehicle until it is no longer drivable rather than going out now and buying an EV which has created an additional carbon to manufacture it?
A collaboration between industry and government will provide a good balance of information. Industry tends to lead, however has its own interests to serve, government lags but can present a more rounded information picture
7. Are vehicle fuel efficiency standards an effective mechanism to reduce passenger and light commercial fleet emissions?
These are long overdue!
8. Would vehicle fuel efficiency standards incentivise global manufacturers to send EVs and lower emission vehicles to Australia?
Not sure about this, perhaps it depends upon whether the standards apply to manufacturers as well as organisation that buy vehicles and have to declare the emissions of their fleets.
9. In addition to vehicle fuel efficiency standards for passenger and light commercial vehicles, would vehicle fuel efficiency standards be an appropriate mechanism to increase the supply of heavy vehicle classes to Australia?
Yes, with the caveat of looking at the particularities of Australian transport requirements. We are quite different to smaller countries.
10. What design features should the Government consider in more detail for vehicle fuel efficiency standards, including level of ambition, who they should apply to, commencement date, penalties and enforcement?
I believe they should apply to manufactures in relation to their sales and to fleet owners. Sadly, penalties and enforcements must exist for those unwilling to cooperate to be forced to do so. Time scale need to be ambitious and negotiated to allow the business sector to adjust - gentle pressure and prescription!
11. What policies and/or industry actions could complement vehicle fuel efficiency standards to help increase supply of EVs to Australia and electrify the Australian fleet?
Not sure.
12. Do we need different measures to ensure all segments of the road transport sector are able to reduce emissions, and if so what government and industry measures might well support the uptake of electric bikes, micro-mobility and motorbikes?
Just substituting one kind of car (ICE) for another (EV) is only a partial solution. We need to consider making our cities and certain precincts vehicle exclusion zones and encourage walking, biking and micro-mobility to have privilege of use. This will improve health outcomes and recalibrate our locked in thinking around vehicle ownership for all. It must be possible for some people to choose to not own a vehicle at all if they wish to!
13. How could we best increase the number of affordable second hand EVs?
I like the stated strategy of incentivised fleet ownership and turnover.
14. Should the Government consider ways to increase the supply of second hand EVs independently imported to the Australian market? Could the safety and consumer risks of this approach be mitigated?
There are currently small purchasing collectives doing this very successfully and it should be increased. Vehicles must meet Australian safety requirements. This should be within our reach if our standards match those of other countries, especially those that produce EVs.
15. What actions can governments and industry take to strengthen our competitiveness and innovate across the full lifecycle of the EV value chain?
Not sure, however utilising our brightest brains here should yield some clever and doable actions.
16. How can we expand our existing domestic heavy vehicle manufacturing and assembly capability?
Not sure.
17. Is it viable to extend Australian domestic manufacturing and assembly capability to other vehicle classes?
I would like to think we can, again it is beyond my expertise to offer useful suggestions.
18. Are there other proposals that could help drive demand for EVs and provide a revenue source to help fund road infrastructure?
Not sure, however I acknowledge to need to develop a mechanism here.
19. What more needs to be done nationally to ensure we deliver a nationally comprehensive framework for EVs?
Our geographical characteristic will be this difficult to deliver equitably across our entire nation, however we must try.
20. How can we best make sure all Australians get access to the opportunities and benefits from the transition?
Good question - a solid charging infrastructure especially to remote regions may help.
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I totally applaud this consultation process and urge appropriate speed in moving forward!
