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Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-05-07 Daily Xml
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Low Emission Vehicle Strategy

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL (15:09): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Automotive Transformation on the subject of South Australia's low emission vehicle strategy.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.C. PARNELL: On 28 October last year, I asked a question of the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation about the government's intentions for the uptake of hybrid and electric vehicles among the overall state fleet. I indicated at that time that an interim report on the low emission vehicle strategy was due last year in June, and I am still awaiting a considered reply.

However, since I asked my question last October, a number of things have occurred. First, the government used the Governor's opening of parliament speech to talk about the future of electric cars in Adelaide and, secondly, the government underwent a cabinet reshuffle, which has seen the very welcome inclusion of automotive transformation and manufacturing issues represented in this chamber. What we have not seen, however, is any evidence that the government is actually matching its rhetoric with action.

Since 2010, hybrid and electric vehicles within Fleet SA have actually decreased in South Australia, both in absolute and in percentage terms. So who is responsible? The government has a low emission vehicle strategy, which is administered ostensibly by the Department of Transport, yet which was announced by the minister for the environment (who was then Paul Caica), and yet half the responsibility lies with Fleet SA, which now falls under the department of the Attorney-General. In addition, we now have an entire ministry dedicated to the transformation of the automotive sector both in the manufacturing and unemployment sense. My questions are:

1. Who, if anyone, is taking responsibility for the low emission vehicle strategy?

2. In the absence of any reporting, can the minister advise whether the government is tracking positively against its targets as set out in the low emission vehicle strategy and as prioritised in the Governor's speech?

3. Has the government abandoned or reduced the purchase of hybrid vehicles for the state fleet and, if so, why?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:11): I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in low emissions, as evidenced by his no-emissions form of transport that he usually takes to work, his bicycle. I am informed that the particular strategy rests with the Minister for Transport for the low emission vehicle strategy. Very specific questions I certainly will refer and bring back answers.

The Hon. I.K. Hunter: I think he does breathe out carbon dioxide.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: True, he does breathe out. His heavy breathing, I am informed, does create emissions on his way into work. I can provide a little bit of information, but will obviously take it away and provide supplementary information. The government has committed to a carbon neutral Adelaide green zone, which will establish the CBD as the world's first carbon neutral city. There is a growing opportunity for hybrid and electric vehicles to contribute to this aim. It is anticipated that within a decade these vehicles may become the preferred form of transport within Adelaide's CBD.

The South Australian government has already released, as the honourable member pointed out, the low emission vehicle strategy, and I will refer that, as I understand it, to the Minister for Transport to bring back further information. The state government will consider a range of policy initiatives to increase awareness of, communicate the benefits of, and provide incentives for, the ownership and use of hybrid and electric vehicles, particularly within the CBD.

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