ACCI had the pleasure of hosting the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy after launching Australia’s first National Electric Vehicle Strategy. The Minister this week announced a new fuel efficiency standard – a first for Australia – and funding for EV charging. Australia is on its way to a more sustainable future.

Tuesday’s event was held at the Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek, in western Sydney. Guests also heard from our panel, Geoff Gwilym, CEO, Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce; Vivian Miles, Chief Strategy Officer, NRMA; James Voortman, CEO, Australian Automotive Dealer Association and Sid Rallapalli, Head of Global Partnerships, Nexport, representing both the consumer and the transport sector in how these groups are currently impacted and would benefit from a transition to electric vehicles. The floor was opened to questions and discussion primarily focused on the issues Australians are facing with regard to acquiring new electric vehicles and keeping them charged. These issues stem from the problems within the supply chain, current demand, our geography, Australia being a net importer depending almost entirely on one foreign market, and the de-prioritization of right-hand drive vehicles in the global market.

ACCI thanks Minister Bowen for his time, our panel of speakers and our sponsor, Australian Racing Drivers Club as well as Nexport and NRMA for making their EVs available for the event.

More photos from the day’s events can be viewed here.

Event details

Date | Wednesday, 19 April 2023

Time | 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm

Location | Sydney Motorsports Park, Ferrers Rd, Eastern Creek NSW 2766