MTA NSW Calls for Investment in EV Infrastructure and Workforce Training in 2024/2025 NSW State Budget Submission

Our association has recently submitted recommendations to the NSW Government for the 2024/2025 NSW State Budget, outlining a comprehensive plan to support the state's transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and future-proof the automotive industry. The submission highlights the critical role the government can play in building a skilled workforce, expanding EV infrastructure, and incentivising the adoption of cleaner vehicles.

The automotive industry is currently at a crossroads, being in a transition period between the mass usage of combustion-engined vehicles and hybrid/electric vehicles. And to ensure this transition is smooth, we urgently need government investment in training programs and infrastructure development.

Our key recommendations focus on three main areas: workforce development, consumer incentives, and infrastructure expansion.

Cultivating the Workforce is Essential

A key focus is addressing the long-term skill shortages in automotive. Research that was conducted by Deloitte for the MTAA revealed that of the 26 automotive industry occupations, 35% were assessed as being in ‘shortage’. Another alarming piece of data shown in the research include vacancy fill rates, with a number of occupations, including panel beaters, having a fill rate of below 30%. As such, we’ve made recommendations for a multi-pronged approach. This includes:

- High school skills programs 

- Strategies to attract overseas workers to automotive occupations in need. 

- Programs to encourage regional workforce participation. 

- Updating the NSW licensing system to allow current licensed tradespeople to upgrade to a new EV license through structured upskilling courses.

To supplement the approach, we’ve also made recommendations to urgently upskill the industry to meet the growing numbers of EVs that will arrive on NSW roads.

Making EVs More Appealing to Consumers

We have made recommendations to reintroduce rebates for purchasing electric and zero-emission vehicles, along with removing stamp duty on new EVs. These measures would significantly reduce the upfront cost of EVs, making them a more financially attractive choice for consumers.

Building a Robust Charging Network for the Future

Recognising the importance of accessible charging infrastructure, our submission calls for government funding to expand the network of electric charging stations statewide, including dedicated charging ports for heavy vehicles at highway rest stops. Additionally, we recommend funding for the expansion of hydrogen fueling stations to support the transition of heavy trucks and buses to clean energy sources.

By implementing these recommendations, the NSW Government can ensure a smooth transition to a future with clean transportation, while creating a thriving automotive industry that is well-equipped to service the needs of Aussie drivers for years to come.

To view the full submission, click here.