October 2023
‘World’s Worst EV Policy’ Scrapped by High Court
State based electric vehicle taxes have been struck down by the High Court of Australia, paving the way for the Federal Government to act on increasing the uptake and availability of EVs across the country, the Australia Institute has said. Key points: State based EV taxes, dubbed the ‘worst electric vehicle policy in the world’
August 2023
SA Voice Polling: Majority Support for “Yes” in Key State
The Australia Institute surveyed a representative sample of 605 South Australians about the upcoming referendum to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
July 2023
Ban Gambling, Alcohol, Fossil Fuel Ads in Sport: SA Voters
New research from public policy think tank The Australia Institute shows that the majority of South Australians support banning gambling, alcohol and fossil fuel advertising during sporting events and in sporting broadcasts in the state. The findings are the result of a survey of 604 South Australians, undertaken by The Australia Institute between 15 May
June 2023
SA Duck Hunting Ban, Backed by Majority of Voters, Would Have Minimal Economic Impact
New research from public policy think tank The Australia Institute shows that a permanent ban on native bird hunting in South Australia is supported by a strong majority of the public and would have minimal impact on the state’s economy. The findings are the result of a survey of 604 South Australians, undertaken between 15
February 2023
SA Tax Scrapped as EV Interest Soars
Public policy think tank the Australia Institute has welcomed the passage of the South Australian Government’s Motor Vehicles (Electric Vehicle Levy) Amendment Repeal bill, scrapping the former Government’s EV Tax. The bill’s passage comes as research from the Australia Institute shows that interest in purchasing an EV has increased significantly among South Australians. Key Findings:
November 2022
Replace Parliament Prayers with Minute’s Silence: SA Voters
New research from public policy think tank The Australia Institute shows that two thirds of South Australian voters support the removal of Christian prayers from the opening of Parliamentary sittings. The Australia Institute surveyed of a representative sample of 616 South Australians in September, asking about the opening prayers and the recent addition of an
September 2022
Health Remains Top SA Political Issue, Leaders’ Satisfaction Soars
New research from public policy think tank The Australia Institute shows that health, the economy and climate change remain the top three political issues for South Australians, following the March State Election. The Australia Institute surveyed of a representative sample of 616 South Australians in September, asking about their voting intention, top political issue, and
April 2022
SA Polls: Boothby, Sturt Contests Heat Up as Voters Back Protecting Great Australian Bight
Post-Budget surveys in the South Australian federal electorates of Boothby and Sturt have shown both seats could be in play at the upcoming election, with a mixed reaction to the Budget and a strong desire for protecting the Great Australian Bight recorded by voters. Key results, Boothby: 2PP: Labor Party 57%, Liberal Party 43%. Four
March 2022
Time to Scrap SA’s EV Tax as Petrol Prices Surge
The new South Australian Labor Government has been encouraged to move ahead with its promised scrapping of the state based EV Tax sooner rather than later, due to the rapidly increasing cost of petrol and confirmation that the Federal Government is considering options for a national tax on electric cars. Background: Laws introducing a South
SA Survey: Ministerial Name Recognition, Satisfaction Ratings Revealed as Close Election Looms
New research from The Australia Institute shows that the leaders of the South Australian Liberal and Labor parties have similar overall satisfaction ratings ahead of the March state election. The Australia Institute surveyed of a representative sample of 602 South Australians in February, asking about their level of satisfaction with the job being done by
February 2022
SA Survey: Labor Hold Narrow Lead, State Not Adequately Prepared for Open Borders
New research from The Australia Institute shows the Labor Party holding a narrow 2PP lead, 51%-49%, one month out from the 2022 state election. The Australia Institute’s survey of a representative sample of 602 South Australians also found there is strong sentiment in the community that the state was not adequately prepared when borders were
January 2022
Banning Political Donations a Positive Step for Democracy in SA: Australia Institute
The South Australian Labor Party’s commitment to abolishing political donations after the upcoming state election is a positive step for SA that would help to restore trust in politics at a critical time, the Australia Institute has said. “If implemented well, these reforms could revolutionise politics in South Australia and become a template for other
December 2021
Mayo Polling: Landslide Support for Key Integrity and Accountability Measures
New Australia Institute polling in the South Australian seat of Mayo shows strong support for a federal anti-corruption watchdog with teeth, truth in political advertising laws for Australia and greater integrity in the process of awarding government grants. Over 800 people were polled in the seat of Mayo on the evening of the 13th December
November 2021
Australia Institute Welcomes SA Labor’s Commitment to Repeal EV Tax
Independent think tank The Australia Institute has welcomed SA Labor’s commitment to repealing the state’s recently legislated EV Tax, if they win the next election. Key points: An EV Tax will come into force in South Australia in 2027, or when EVs make up 30% of new car sales, after government legislation passed the SA
October 2021
SA EV Tax Improved but Support Still Inadequate
The passage of the EV Tax through the South Australian Parliament with some, but not adequate, compensatory support for the fledging electric vehicle sector is regrettable, The Australia institute has said. While important improvements were made to the EV Tax package in South Australia, including a six-year delay to the tax’s implementation and temporary purchase
EV Tax: SA Support Package Falls $70m Short
New research from independent think tank The Australia Institute has found the level of State Government funding offered to incentivise the uptake of EVs in South Australia falls well short of what is on offer in other states. An additional $70 million of funding, effectively tripling the $36 million currently being offered, would be required
Upper House Now Final Barrier Against SA Gov’s Misguided EV Tax
The Australia Institute has welcomed SA Labor’s strong opposition to the SA Government’s Electric Vehicle Tax during debate in the Lower House today and has called on the Parliament’s Upper House to reject the flawed policy. “The State Government’s deeply flawed EV Tax will pull the handbrake on the uptake of EVs and effective climate
September 2021
SA Voters Overwhelmingly Back Increased Health Funding in Key Election Battle
New research from The Australia Institute shows that South Australians rank health, the economy and climate change as the three most important political issues in South Australia ahead of the next state election. The Australia Institute’s survey of a representative sample of 599 South Australians also found the vast majority of voters would prefer it
August 2021
EV Tax Delay to 2027 Welcomed but Small, Temporary Incentive Falls Short
The South Australian Government’s decision to delay its EV Tax until 2027 is welcome but the small, temporary EV incentive revealed today is insufficient to facilitate the rapid transition to zero emissions cars that our state needs, The Australia Institute says. Key points: As it stands, the 6000 one-off purchase incentives offered represent just 0.4%
South Australians Want EVs but Gov’s New Tax Would Suppress Demand
New research from The Australia Institute shows that South Australians would be less likely to make the switch to an electric vehicle if the government proceeds with its plan to copy the Victorian Labor Government’s EV Tax. The Australia Institute’s survey of a representative sample of 599 South Australians also found there is strong support,
June 2021
SA Treasurer Imports Victoria’s ‘World’s Worst’ EV Tax
The South Australian Treasurer’s plan to import Victoria’s electric vehicle tax will cause the state to fall behind other jurisdictions with better EV policies, such as New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, The Australia Institute has said. “The Treasurer may say he’s not in the business of importing taxes from Victoria, but that’s
Pressure on SA as NSW Reveals Nation Leading EV Strategy
The Australia Institute has welcomed the New South Wales Coalition Government’s Electric Vehicle Strategy released today and called on the South Australian Government to show similar leadership in their State Budget on Tuesday. Key points: Today the NSW Coalition Government announced an electric vehicle strategy that includes: $3,000 rebates on the purchase of 25,000 new
May 2021
Statement from The Australia Institute
Statement from The Australia Institute regarding Minister Pitt’s claims that the 1200 Bridges Too Far report by Kate McBride, Australia Institute fellow and fifth generation farmer, into the Murray Darling Basin Plan is ‘full of claims based on false assertions.’ “The Australia Institute stands by its 1200 Bridges Too Far report by Kate McBride, Australia
Murray Darling Basin: Billion Dollar SA Water Fund Earmarked for Bridges and Water Storage in NSW
New research from The Australia Institute and Conservation SA shows that money previously earmarked to return 450 gigalitres (GL) of water to the environment in South Australia may be used to upgrade over 1200 bridges and increase water storage capacity in New South Wales irrigation districts. The report investigates the current project proposals under the
4 in 5 South Australians Back Victorian Model of Voluntary Assisted Dying Laws
New research from The Australia Institute shows more than 4 in 5 South Australians (83%) want the state to legislate Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) laws based on the model that has already been implemented in Victoria.
March 2021
Australia Institute Welcomes South Australian Opposition’s Plan for Green Hydrogen
The Australia Institute has welcomed the State Labor Opposition’s hydrogen energy plan for South Australia. “Clean sources of power, including green hydrogen produced from 100% renewable electricity, are the future of energy. Putting South Australia at the centre of the global energy transition is the smart thing to do,” said Noah Schultz-Byard, SA Director at
Australia Institute Welcomes SA Government Back Down on EV Tax
The Australia Institute has welcomed the decision from the South Australian Government not to introduce an electric vehicle tax in July of this year. “The Australia Institute welcomes the decision of the South Australian Government, but a delay of one year is not enough,” said Noah Schultz-Byard, SA Director at The Australia Institute. “This EV
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