16 January 2024
Albanese’s Green Agenda Threatens the Weekend Road Trip
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson says the Albanese Labor Government is putting an end to the 4-wheel-drive as we know it.
The Albanese Labor Government has quietly announced over Christmas the introduction of stringent new environmental standards that will see vehicles such as Ford Rangers, Toyota Hiluxes and even Hyundai i30s no longer able to be sold in Australia if they fail to comply.
Mr Thompson says that the announcement would affect anyone who owns a car.
“This Federal Labor Government is set to kill the weekend,” Mr Thompson said.
“If you’re a family and want to take your kids camping, or you want to go off-roading, you won’t be able to do that in a ute anymore.”
Auto Centre Townsville Dealer Principal Warren Figg hold concerns over how this decision would work given Australia’s landscape.
“Europe is different to Australia, totally different. Everything is so close to each other over there, whereas here, you’ve got big open wide spaces and within our farming communities its going to be a real issue.
He also points to the affects that this decision will have on his customer’s lifestyles.
“A lot of people’s dream when they retire, they want to buy a 4-wheel-drive, they want to put a caravan on the back of it and they want to see Australia. Well, I don’t know how they’re going to tow their caravan.”
Mr Thompson highlighted the flow-on effects a decision like this will have on the hip pocket of Australians.
“We are already in a cost-of-living crisis and this rushed decision with no community consultation will see manufacturers pull out of the Australian market, shortening supply and raising prices even further.”
Mr Thompson implored the Government to rethink the policy.
“This decision is set to flip the automotive industry on its head, killing off small businesses and impacting those whose livelihoods rely on these vehicles, such as tradies.
“We need Australian strategies for Australia and we need a Prime Minister and a Government that supports Australian businesses and our freedoms.”
ENDS
