Greens seeing red over transport system

The Greens party has demanded the federal government take action after a damning report from the Climate Change Authority claimed that Australia's transport system needs a serious update.

Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for transport and infrastructure, wholeheartedly agreed with the report, stating: "The report outlines a clear direction we need to take to make our transport systems work for people and the climate".

The authors of the report made this recommendation: "The Authority is of the view that Australia's climate policy toolkit should include measures to harness cost-effective opportunities in the transport sector, including supporting and encouraging more efficient vehicles, less emissions-intensive fuels and modes of transport, and reducing the need for transport while maintaining or enhancing living standards."

The report also suggested that "In the short term Australia should introduce a mandatory carbon dioxide emissions standard for light vehicles. This could deliver substantial, low-cost emissions reductions, with net economic benefits."

The report and Senator Rice's comments are simply the latest public statements adding to the current groundswell of opinion that vehicle taxation has not kept pace with the needs of the market, including the environmental needs.

As we reported last week, the government is considering the abolition of the Luxury Car Tax, and an alternative revenue source is being promoted in the form of a tax based on vehicle emissions. But it's not all one-way traffic, with the AAA counselling against passing new legislation that could cost the consumer, not all of whom buy cars priced above the LCT threshold.

As the peak body for the automotive industry in Australia, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has long trumpeted the reduction in carbon pollution, based on an official CO2 rating for the vehicle fleet, multiplied by the various cars on the road. Nonetheless, the FCAI has also welcomed the federal government's interest in a CO2 strategy for the automotive industry, but that may be out of fear for something much worse – deregulated vehicle importation.

For her part, Senator Rice and her party argue that nationwide vehicle CO2 emissions have actually increased over time, not decreased, as the FCAI would have it.

"The current pattern of funding massive polluting toll roads has resulted in carbon pollution from transport increasing by 25 per cent since 2000," said Senator Rice.

"The government must take their authority's advice and start investing in a clean transport future, including public transport and freight on rail."