With all the recent talk about electric vehicles FAN decided to quiz the WA government on their plans.
FAN: Does the WA government have intentions to purchase electric vehicles in 2018?
ANSWER: The WA Government welcomes the electric vehicle offerings from manufacturers. As electric vehicles become available, they will be evaluated and where suitable, added to the vehicle selection list available to WA Government agencies. In December, 2017 the WA Government signed a memorandum of understanding with the Electric Vehicle Council at a meeting of the Climate Action Roundtable. Following this, a Working Group has been established (coordinated by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation), which is expected to identify opportunities for collaboration to promote and accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.
FAN: Does the WA government have any plans to introduce incentives for businesses or consumers that purchase electric vehicles? e.g. Stamp duty on purchase or annual rego fee reductions
ANSWER: Given the very difficult budgetary environment facing the Western Australian Government, it is more important than ever to exercise expenditure restraint and target Government concessions to those most in need. Accordingly, the State Government has no plans at this time to offer incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles.
FAN: As part of the fleet outsourcing agreement does the WA government receive reports on vehicle C02 emissions?
ANSWER: The WA government has a carbon offsets program to offset government vehicle fleet emissions. The Department of Finance monitors emissions and calculates offsets for the Government fleet. Complementing this program, the WA government vehicle policy directs agencies to purchase the smallest most economical and environmentally friendly vehicles. Emission caps apply to the passenger and sport utility vehicles available for purchase, with the aim of reducing the government fleet’s carbon footprint.
