Electric Vehicles

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (15:17): Supplementary: the Treasurer referenced the New South Wales example in his reply. Why did the government not follow the New South Wales approach, which properly supports the EV industry and delays the introduction of an EV tax until 2027?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (15:17): The honourable member hasn't actually seen the legislation that has been introduced yet. The New South Wales legislation is not exactly as he has characterised it. He actually has omitted an important caveat to that. It is either 2027 or when they reach 30 per cent of the market, whichever comes sooner.

If you reach 30 per cent of the market, however that's going to be defined—and we will need to see the legislation, if we need to see the legislation in relation to that—it could be sooner than that. All I can say to the honourable member is stay tuned, hold your breath. Let's have a look at what the government introduces. We look forward to engaging in the debate.