House debates
Monday, 12 February 2024
Statements by Members
Fuel
4:33 pm
Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
There are only two major advanced economies in the world that don't have new vehicle efficiency standards: Australia and Russia. Thank goodness the Labor government wants to change that. Australia needs these reforms because we are getting a dud deal. We have less efficient cars and, because of that, we're spending more at the bowser. Australians use 20 per cent more petrol than Americans. Our cars are dirtier and less efficient. Analysis shows that these changes will, by 2050, reduce emissions by 369 million tonnes of carbon, deliver $5.5 billion in health savings and save Aussies a massive $108 billion in fuel at the bowser. For those in Bennelong, that's $1,000 worth of fuel savings each and every year.
A CarsGuide.com.au contributing journalist asked:
Why should Australians get treated like second-class citizens with older, less fuel-efficient cars dumped on us? Don't fall into the trap of being told these rules are 'too ambitious' or 'unrealistic' …
The Liberals are once again trying to lure us into this trap of deceit and division. The Liberals would rather our standards mimic Russia than adopt the same new vehicle standards as the USA. This is the party that said electric vehicles would ruin the weekend. Now they want us to believe the government's coming after your ute or your SUV. We know those claims are false, and those opposite should be ashamed of their continued politics of fear and division. We need these standards for our environment, for the cost of living and for our health.