The Motor Trade Association of New South Wales (MTA-NSW) says it is pleased to see increasing electric vehicle (EV) adoption being given a place in the Federal Budget, but warns there is still a lot to do if mass adoption is to become a reality.
“Merely cutting the price of some EVs is not going to see Australia catch up with those other countries which are leading the EV adoption charge,” MTA-NSW chief executive Stavros Yallouridis says.
“The Treasurer has announced a ‘fiscally sensible budget’ focused on setting the country up through difficult times ahead, however this budget does not address the major issues in the automotive sector, such as skills shortages, training and infrastructure to meet the government’s own targets on transitioning to EV.
“NSW and Australia’s road infrastructure as well as maintenance and supply systems are also in need of significant improvements and updates,” he says.
According to Yallouridis, specialist training in electric car and battery maintenance for mechanics is critical to avoid workplace safety dangers and driver risks.
“The vehicles that the government is incentivising the purchase of, will need specialised maintenance that involves working with electricity – and that requires new equipment and careful training. Otherwise they are putting the electric cart before the horse,” he says.
“This training needs to be rolled out quickly and efficiently in a manner that is hands on for the mechanics with state-of-the-art equipment to keep up with the rapid pace of development witnessed in EVs.
“Small businesses within the motor trading industry continue to struggle to find skilled workers and our data shows that there is currently a deficit of more than 30,000 skilled professionals nationally.
“While the Federal Government has increased the skilled migration cap, it has not taken into account the rollout of electric vehicles and how this will further exacerbate the current skills shortage within our industry as we face the biggest transition period in our history.
To service and repair EVs will require additional qualified professionals and an upskilling of the current workforce to safely and effectively undertake this work,” he says.
