The Electric Vehicle Council's (EVC) report found New South Wales topped the list for competent electric vehicle (EV) policy after introducing its new EV policy earlier in the year. 

The NSW Government committed $490 million to tax cuts and incentives in June, with $3,000 rebates, waived stamp duty, and investment in infrastructure for EV's all part of the package. 

NSW narrowly topped the EVC's rating, scoring a nine out of ten for their policy, ahead of the Australian Capital Territory (8/10), and the Northern Territory and Tasmania (7/10). 

The remaining state and territories scored a six out of ten while the Federal Government scored just a three, after "failing to make meaningful inroads in line with other comparable jurisdictions around the world" according to the report. 

EVC chief executive Behyad Jafari said the states had led the way in EV policy, while the Federal Government had dragged its heels. 

"The movement across most states and territories is now generally positive and that's providing greater confidence to private sector investors, which will pave the way for more places to charge and better services to support e-mobility," Mr Jafari said.

"The chief headwind at the moment is, unfortunately, a continued lack of leadership on electric vehicles at the federal level.

"After promising a national strategy two years ago, the Federal Government has failed to deliver." 

According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), EV sales in Victoria and NSW were up 191.1% and 260%, respectively, in July compared to July 2020. 

Victoria also announced a $3,000 EV subsidy in May as part of a $100 million commitment to have fully electric or hydrogen powered cars make up half of all new vehicles sales by 2030. 

But Mr Jafari said the states needed support from the Federal Government to make such goals a reality. 

"We need to see more electric vehicle models in Australia, particularly at lower price points," he said.

"That's happening slowly, but if we want to accelerate the process and attract the globally limited electric vehicle supply, we need policies enacted at the national level, like fuel efficiency standards." 

AAMI offers free roadside assistance to frontline workers 

Insurance provider AAMI is offering free roadside assistance to first responders, hospital staff, and COVID-19 healthcare workers. 

The offer will give eligible workers in Australia free access to assistance with car emergencies like flat tyres and batteries, lost or locked-in keys, towing, 24 hours a day. 

Eligible workers include: 

  • Medical practitioners
  • Nurses
  • Paramedics 
  • Fire fighters 
  • SES staff and volunteeers 
  • Police officers 
  • COVID-19 testing and vaccination workers

You don't have to be an AAMI customer to take advantage of the offer and you can head to its website if you need to use it. 

The insurance provider previously launched the offer in 2020, and AAMI chief executive of insurance products and portfolio, Lisa Harrison, said it was a small way it could help vital members of the community. 

"Now, more than ever, they are critical to keeping our communities safe, tackling not only the various outbreaks, but also supporting our pathway to a more normal future through the vaccine rollout," Ms Harrison said.

"The last thing they need are unforeseen hold-ups, so this is our way of keeping them safe on the road." 

Photo by Charlotte Stowe on Unsplash