Future proof automotive

22 April 2022

Driving change

Australia’s automotive industry is a $40 billion sector, employing almost 400,000 people. That’s big. So, our country’s leaders should harness that power to benefit businesses and motorists into the future.

We are best placed to provide expert advice to government on its Zero and Low Emission Vehicle (ZLEV) transition policy – instead of power or energy suppliers who are significantly removed from the frontline. 

Additionally, we can provide valuable insights to help action skills funding, implement ZLEV licensing schemes, centralise automotive data, and investigate supply chain weaknesses. Policymakers need to consult deeply with the automotive industry and – most importantly – they need to listen and to act on our advice, which is backed by immense experience and know-how.

The next Australian Government should:

• Take a leadership role in implementing a national ZLEV policy in collaboration with the automotive retail industry
• Introduce national minimum training requirements for technicians working on ZLEVs, to reduce the risk of injury or death of technicians working on high voltage systems
• Allocate appropriate funding to centralise the collection of monthly new motor vehicle sales data through the Australian Bureau of Statistics
• Revitalise local manufacturing capability to ensure guaranteed supply chain security
• Support innovative policy measures to incentivise the recruitment of a diverse automotive workforce that will alleviate skills shortages.

Read REVolution: The automotive industry’s policy priorities for the next Australian Government.

Words: TACC State Manager, Bruce McIntosh. As featured in The Mercury Friday 22 April 2022.