Greens start their EVs engines in a tight SA Senate Race

2022-04-06

Fresh from a record vote in the State election, the Greens have kicked off their federal election campaign in SA announcing a $6.1b plan to boost the uptake of electric vehicles and reestablish auto manufacturing in Australia, saying that in balance of power the party will push for a South Australian-focused package to support an electric car industry in the State.

The Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, is in Adelaide today to launch the campaign for South Australia lead Senate Candidate, Barbara Pocock.

Pocock, an economist and leading South Australian public intellectual, will join Adam Bandt and SA Senator Sarah Hanson-Young to launch a comprehensive package to build and boost uptake of electric vehicles in Australia, with infrastructure and incentives to support the transition.

The Greens plan will invest $6.1b over the next 3 years to:

  •  Provide $1.2b to manufacturers of electric vehicles and electric vehicle components in Australia, building the Australian EV manufacturing industry
  • Help you buy your first EV, reducing the cost of an electric vehicle by up to $15,000 and provide ultra-cheap finance for the balance
  • Legislate tough vehicle pollution standards to drive down emissions, and ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030
  • Build a $2 billion publicly owned EV fast charging network, ensuring that you’ll always have a place to fuel up
  • Electrify the Commonwealth fleet by 2025, leading the way and driving the second-hand vehicle market

If Barbara Pocock is elected to the Senate for SA, the Greens are on track to be the biggest third party in the Senate ever, likely holding balance of power in our own right. Additionally, with a tight election in the House of Representatives likely, the Greens may be in balance of power in both Houses of Parliament.

Quotes attributable to Greens Leader Adam Bandt:

“The Greens have represented South Australia with one of the most powerful voices the Senate has ever seen in Sarah Hanson-Young. Today, the Greens offer South Australians the chance to put another exceptional, progressive woman into the Senate to fight for their state, Professor Barbara Pocock.

“In a few years’ time, the whole country could be driving SA-made electric cars.

“We’ll cut pollution, create jobs and be energy independent if we restart SA’s car industry and make it electric. The Liberals flattened SA’s car industry but the Greens want to recharge it.

“As well as making electric cars here, we’ll make them cheaper to buy and easier to recharge.

“The war in Ukraine shows us just how exposed we are if we rely on another country’s oil to get around.

“Road transport makes up 15% of Australia’s emissions, so any party with a net zero emissions target needs a plan to get our cars running on the sun and the wind.”

Quotes attributable to Greens lead Senate candidate for South Australia, Barbara Pocock:

“As a South Australian, I’ve felt so lucky to have such a powerful Greens representative in Sarah Hanson-Young over many years. This election, South Australians can double their Greens representation.

“To be here today with Adam Bandt and Sarah Hanson-Young to launch a major Greens policy that has so much potential for South Australia gives voters a clear choice this election.

“I’m standing for the Greens because the Greens put their chips on the table - we put forward fully-costed policies and clear positions, instead of loose slogans that ask voters for blind trust.

“Making electric vehicles here will mean thousands of jobs for South Australians. It will also have flow on benefits supporting research, development and manufacturing across the country.

“The Greens will put $1.2 billion on the table for the manufacturing of electric vehicles and their components here in Australia.

Quotes attributable to Greens South Australian Senator, Sarah Hanson-Young:

“Barbara Pocock stands out from the pack in this South Australian Senate race. She has made an exceptional contribution to our understanding of employment, especially as it affects women in the workforce.“

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