Low-emission road user tax decision a win for motorists

18 October 2023

Today’s High Court decision to stop the Victorian Government from charging low-emission vehicle owners a per kilometre tax is a win for Victorian motorists.

Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce CEO, Geoff Gwilym said a national system is best.

“We need a system that treats drivers fairly. VACC calls for a system that encourages drivers into electric vehicles rather than punish them,” Mr Gwilym said.

VACC never supported a stand-alone state-based system.

“Australian motorists deserve a coherent and fair national road user charging policy for zero and low-emission vehicle adoption in our transition to a cleaner fleet.”

Victoria was the only state to charge low-emission vehicle owners a road user tax of 2.8 cents for each kilometre for electric vehicles and 2.3 cents for plug-in hybrid vehicles for each kilometre travelled.

Two Victorian drivers launched the lawsuit after the Victorian government introduced the EV Tax in July 2021.

The Federal Government is yet to announce a national road user charging system.

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