Commenting on the story: Budget 2020: the key measures

I am concerned that charging electric vehicle drivers with additional taxes is going to discourage potential buyers from making the switch to electric vehicles.

A recent analysis by EY had shown that every electric car that replaced a combustion engine vehicle created an average of $1370 in net government revenue benefit, and a $8763 boost to the Australian economy. This analysis discredited the commonly held view that electric vehicles would affect the government’s income by avoiding fuel excise.

The analysis also showed that the average electric vehicle driver was already paying more tax (spread across federal and state charges) than a combustion engine driver. Let us not forget the significant economic and health benefits by reducing air pollution.

The State Government on Friday has announced that it would invest in electric vehicle charging stations, which is very promising for the much-anticipated electric vehicle strategy. However, I am afraid charging electric vehicle drivers with an additional levy is going to be a setback.

The rational thing to do truly is to pull out all stops to encourage transport electrification. – Ching Ang

Why would the State budget provide funding for state wide charging stations for electric vehicles, an excellent proposal, then lower the incentive to purchase them by proposing an electric vehicle tax?

Throughout much of Europe, governments of all persuasion are offering inducements to encourage the acquisition of environmentally more sustainable electric vehicles and South Australia, which has long been a leader in the use of renewable energy, should be doing everything possible to increase the up-take of this technology by subsidising, not increasing, the cost of ownership. – Helen Bell

Electric cars must pay their way too!

Every motorised vehicle on the road pays for the use of the roads and funds the construction and maintenance of roads through the Fuel Excise charge that is paid with each litre of fuel bought. The former SA Labor Government recognised that the advent of electric vehicles, which don’t need petrol or diesel and thus don’t pay Fuel Excise, would diminish the critical revenue stream that funds roads and began working on a regime to ensure electric vehicles would pay their way, as did all governments around Australia.

It has been patently clear that electric vehicles would have to pay for their use if roads, just like all the petrol and diesel powered vehicles around them.

As the percentage of electric vehicles in the fleet grows, the roads will deteriorate and funding for new roads will dry up if electric vehicles are not required to pay their way just like all other vehicles. Fuel Excise is a road funding mechanism. It is not a penalty for use of petrol or diesel.

The electric vehicle lobby’s argument that electric vehicle owners should not pay a road finding tax like everyone else because electric vehicles are more environmentally friendly is a misdirection and an utterly flawed argument. It’s like saying that a blind person doesn’t have to pay to go to the theatre, when they are still taking up a seat and hearing and enjoying the performance.

A road user tax on electric vehicles is essential and unavoidable, so it is better to introduce it now as electric vehicles begin to become more numerous. – Steve Shearer, executive officer, SA Road Transport Association

Commenting on the story: Appoint former PM Julia Gillard next SA Governor: MP

I couldn’t think of anyone better for Governor of South Australia. If you’re taking votes, count me in.

After her treatment as Prime Minister by the opposition and much of their public following, it would be a fitting tribute to her dedication to public service and her integrity as a person. – Pauline Woodward

What a great suggestion. Certainly have my vote. Go Julia! – Irene Stevenson

Yes, please, a fine suggestion. With so many high level people in this state appointed who have no real connection with SA, it would be wonderful to have her. That she hasn’t abandoned SA speaks volumes. – Cathy Chua

What a wonderful choice for our next governor. Fully approve. – Joan Nelson

I would support Julia Gillard as SA’s next Governor. In saying that, our present Governor has been and is doing a wonderful job. – Janice Old

I’ve nothing negative to say about Julia Gillard, but don’t agree the fact she was a former PM makes her an ideal appointee for Governor of SA. My preference would be to see the role go to someone with a strong business and community background who can help grow the state. – Paul Venables