The MTA SA is pushing for a return of the EV purchase incentive and more transitional training for EV skills to help the state become the national leader in alternative automotive energy.
South Australia along with Victoria and NSW have axed buying incentives for EVs and the Motor Trade Association SA/NT wants them to be key plank of the upcoming state budget.
Last week Victoria delivered a tight budget with few concessions for EV uptake but the federal government has extended the $10,000 incentive for apprentices to include automotive technicians who do some work on EV’s in tomorrows budget.
MTA CEO Darrell Jacobs said following the Federal Government’s proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standard it was important to develop further incentives for electric vehicles at state level to combat the cost-of-living issues consumers were facing., as well as expanding these to plug-in hybrid and traditional hybrid vehicles.
“With cost-of-living front of mind for all households, affordability remains one of the top considerations for South Australians when purchasing their next vehicle.”
“At a time when electric vehicles still command a price premium, consumer incentives must remain if we are to drive our decarbonisation.”
The MTA’s proposal would see the government reinstate the $3,000 incentive for electric vehicles valued below $68,750 and extend them to plug in hybrid vehicles for $2,000 and $1000 for traditional hybrid vehicles.
“Whether through solar, wind or battery uptake, South Australia has always been at the forefront of efforts towards net-zero.”
The MTA is also concerned about the ability of the industry to meet the transition to alternative vehicles.
“The MTA is calling for a ‘Training, Technology and Tools’ fund to support businesses in the automotive retail, service and repair industry transition” said Mr Jacobs.
“Whether for charging infrastructure, technician upskilling or just a new set of insulated tools, we can’t forget the important role businesses will play in this transition.”
MTA also called for more supp
ort for automotive skills and training, specifically for its successful Mentoring and Schools Pathways programs.
If successful, the proposal would see the MTA double its School Pathways program to reach even more schools across South Australia to promote career opportunities in the automotive industry, with a particular focus on regional locations.
National data shows that for every two young people starting a trade apprenticeship, one drops out, highlighting the need for more to be done.
“The MTA’s Automotive Mentor program has achieved an unprecedented 97% retention rate across all program participants, and we are calling for continued government support to see automotive apprentices through to completion,” said Mr Jacobs.
Amid forecasted skills shortages, the MTA has also argued for longer-term solutions surrounding skilled migration, such as government trade delegations with industry and more support for small and medium businesses to access overseas labour.