Skip to content
Government Federal, Transport Automotive

Imperfect but vital: Time to get moving with New Vehicle Efficiency Standards

Smart Energy Council < 1 min read

26 March 2024

 

The Smart Energy Council has responded to the release of the Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standards legislation.

 

Chief Executive, John Grimes said he was pleased to see action to improve fuel efficiency in new cars sold in Australia.

 

“We have waited decades but finally Australia will join the rest of the world in implementing New Vehicle Efficiency Standards,” Mr Grimes said.

 

“Until today, Russia and Australia were the only developed nations without fuel efficiency standards. Today, Vladimir Putin stands appropriately isolated.

 

“New Vehicle Efficiency Standards are the primary means of reducing Australia’s soaring transport emissions. Federal Parliament must pass this legislation as soon as possible.

 

“The Smart Energy Council is disappointed the proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standards have been weakened to include some SUVs in the light commercial vehicle category, with the emissions reduction trajectory also weakened.

 

“Calling a Toyota Land Cruiser a light commercial vehicle does not pass the school drop off test.

 

“Toyota is Kodak on wheels – a company that has failed to modernise, wanting us all to pay the price for their poor business decisions and lack of action.”

 

The Smart Energy Council is Australia’s leading renewable energy industry association, with a strong smart transport industry membership.

 

For interviews or more information, contact Wayne Smith on 0417 141 812

 

 

More from this category

  • Transport Automotive
  • 16/03/2026
  • 17:06
Road Freight NSW (RFNSW)

RFNSW CALLS FOR FURTHER SUPPORT FOR FREIGHT OPERATORS FOLLOWING NSW FUEL ROUNDTABLE

Peak body Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) has welcomed the swift action by the Minns Government to convene an industry fuel roundtable, but is calling for further assistance for freight operators as ongoing fuel pressures continue to strain the trucking freight industry. RFNSW Chief Executive Officer Simon O’Hara said the roundtable brought together more than 60 industry leaders, businesses, unions and government representatives, providing those impacted by the unfolding fuel situation with an important opportunity to share their concerns and gain clarity on the current supply outlook. “Having informed industry bodies in the room providing valuable input was welcomed as a…

  • Government Federal, Legal
  • 16/03/2026
  • 14:30
Australian Human Rights Commission

New national plan sets 10-year vision to end the abuse and mistreatment of older people

Monday 16 March 2026  The Age Discrimination Commissioner, Robert Fitzgerald AM, today welcomed the release of the National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2026–2036, describing it as a decisive step toward ending the abuse and mistreatment of older Australians.   ‘Elder abuse is prevalent and a growing national problem. It is one of the clearest and most harmful expressions of ageism, with significant social, legal, and economic implications,’ Commissioner Fitzgerald said. ‘Every older Australian has the fundamental right to live free from abuse, neglect and exploitation. This Plan sets out the priority actions needed over the decade ahead to uphold…

  • Finance Investment, Transport Automotive
  • 15/03/2026
  • 08:15
Earlypay

Oil shock pumps the brakes on transport sector and nation’s SMEs

Australia’s small and medium businesses are facing a sharp increase in cost pressures as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East drive volatility in global…

  • Contains:

Media Outreach made fast, easy, simple.

Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet. Pay per release or save with a subscription.