Earn
South Australia imports ‘world’s worst EV tax’
The South Australian Treasurer looks to import the “world’s worst EV tax” from Victoria, an industry expert has warned.
South Australia imports ‘world’s worst EV tax’
The South Australian Treasurer looks to import the “world’s worst EV tax” from Victoria, an industry expert has warned.
Last year, the South Australian government announced its intentions to introduce a road user charge for electric vehicles ranging from plug-in to zero-emission vehicles.
South Australian Treasurer Rob Lucas said the proposed charge was to include a fixed component and a variable charge based on distance travelled.
On Tuesday, the Treasurer said, “Consistent with the commitment in last year’s budget and now that legislation has passed in Victoria, the government will introduce in the coming weeks its promised bill for a road user charge for electric vehicles.”
According to the Australian Institute’s SA director, Noah Schultz-Byard, South Australia is following the wrong state, with NSW and the ACT adapting more environmentally friendly policies.
“The Treasurer may say he’s not in the business of importing taxes from Victoria, but that’s exactly what he’s doing on electric vehicles,” Mr Schultz-Byard said.
Dan Andrew’s EV tax is set to see drivers slugged an additional 2.5 cents per kilometre travelled starting from 1 July 2021.
The tax is expected to raise $30 million in revenue over the next four years, costing the average EV owner between $260 and $300 per year on the assumption drivers travel between 10,400 and 12,000 km a year.
“Victoria made themselves a laughing stock by introducing an EV tax early and failing to adequately support consumers and the industry as they did so,” Mr Schultz-Byard said.
According to the Australian Institute, South Australia should learn from Victoria’s mistakes and adapt a more friendly transition to greener energy.
“The South Australian government should do a U-turn on this policy and pursue a far more balanced and measured approach, as the NSW Coalition government have done,” he said.
The Australian Institute also highlighted the importance of national leadership to help guide a transition to cleaner vehicles.
“With the federal government abandoning the EV policy space, it has been left up to the states to usher in the clean transport revolution. South Australia needs to get on with the job, not get in the way,” Mr Schultz-Byard concluded.
About the author
About the author
Tax refund
The ATO will be focusing on these four issues at tax time
The tax office has indicated it will be scrutinising areas where taxpayers are known to make mistakes. Read more
Tax refund
More than half of Aussies get stressed at tax time, survey finds
Many taxpayers feel that they may be missing out on deductions in their tax returns. Read more
Tax refund
Engage or face firmer action, ATO warns taxpayers with unpaid debts
The tax office is offering support and assistance to those with overdue debts. Read more
Tax refund
How to prepare for your tax return
While the end of the financial year is still a couple of months away, you can take action now to help maximise your tax return. Read more
Tax refund
What issues will be on the ATO’s radar this year?
H&R Block has outlined two main areas that the tax office is expected to focus on. Read more
Tax refund
How does the expanded low and middle income tax offset work?
Millions of taxpayers will receive hundreds of dollars more in their tax return this year. Read more
Tax refund
Why 90% of taxpayers could face a higher tax bill next financial year
A tax offset for over 10 million Aussies may not be extended in next month’s budget. Read more
Tax refund
PM ponders extension of low and middle income tax offset
Scott Morrison has hinted that a popular tax-saving measure may return in 2022. Read more
Tax refund
The ATO will be focusing on these four issues at tax time
The tax office has indicated it will be scrutinising areas where taxpayers are known to make mistakes. Read more
Tax refund
More than half of Aussies get stressed at tax time, survey finds
Many taxpayers feel that they may be missing out on deductions in their tax returns. Read more
Tax refund
Engage or face firmer action, ATO warns taxpayers with unpaid debts
The tax office is offering support and assistance to those with overdue debts. Read more
Tax refund
How to prepare for your tax return
While the end of the financial year is still a couple of months away, you can take action now to help maximise your tax return. Read more
Tax refund
What issues will be on the ATO’s radar this year?
H&R Block has outlined two main areas that the tax office is expected to focus on. Read more
Tax refund
How does the expanded low and middle income tax offset work?
Millions of taxpayers will receive hundreds of dollars more in their tax return this year. Read more
Tax refund
Why 90% of taxpayers could face a higher tax bill next financial year
A tax offset for over 10 million Aussies may not be extended in next month’s budget. Read more
Tax refund
PM ponders extension of low and middle income tax offset
Scott Morrison has hinted that a popular tax-saving measure may return in 2022. Read more