Australia Weighs National EV Road User Charge

Australian federal and state governments are in advanced discussions about introducing a road-user charge for electric vehicle (EV) owners to counter declining fuel excise revenues as traditional cars are phased out. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is expediting talks with state and territory officials, making the issue a priority at a national economic summit. Labor frontbenchers, including Tanya Plibersek and Murray Watt, stress that there are no immediate plans for implementation, focusing instead on long-term strategies and ongoing consultations. EV lobby groups warn that introducing such charges now could stall the shift to cleaner vehicles and point to already stagnant EV sales. Infrastructure and transport advocates argue for a fair system where all road users contribute to maintenance costs. The government continues to consult widely, balancing the need for infrastructure funding with support for EV adoption.