Victorian motorists excluded from EV rebates

21 APRIL 2023

Today the Palaszczuk Government made a significant announcement regarding extra financial assistance to make electric vehicles more affordable for Queenslanders.

The announcement means Queenslanders (individuals or households) who earn up to $180,000 per year are now eligible for a $6,000 rebate off the purchase price of a new EV up to the value of $68,000.

Furthermore, Queensland businesses are eligible for up to five rebates per financial year as an incentive to switch their fleets over to electric.

The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) asks of the Andrews Labor Government: What about Victorian motorists?

“The measures announced by the Palaszczuk Government in Queensland put what remains of Victoria’s paltry $3,000 EV purchase subsidy to shame,” said VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym.

VACC has long argued that significantly reducing the upfront purchase price of electric vehicles is the most effective way to increase their uptake in the mass private vehicle market and help more quickly reduce emissions. Today’s announcement by the Queensland Government is a significant step in this direction.

“VACC calls on the Andrews Government to make similar EV rebates available to Victorians. Being a richer state than Queensland, Victoria should be able to match these initiatives. So, where are they?” said Mr Gwilym.

“If the Victorian Government is serious about getting more Victorians into EVs and reducing emissions quicker, a $6,000 EV rebate will achieve more than anything else Victoria has done to date.”