Queensland Parliament charges for electric future

With electric vehicle sales skyrocketing across Queensland, the Palaszczuk Government has taken steps to ensure the People’s House is fit for a low-emissions transport future.

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni today charged up an electric vehicle (EV) using one of three new chargers installed by publicly-owned CS Energy at Parliament House.

“These chargers mark another step forward in the Palaszczuk Government’s strategy to encourage greater take-up of electric vehicles (EVs) in Queensland,” Mr de Brenni said.

“With more than a thousand new EVs registered last year, we know more Queenslanders are now focused on the impact their vehicle has on our state’s carbon emissions.

“Queenslanders also expect government to lead by example, and that’s exactly what we have done with the installation of these 7kW AC chargers at the Parliamentary Annexe.”

Mr de Brenni said the Palaszczuk Government continues to lead the national policy debate on the transition to EVs in the absence of any federal leadership.

“For too long, the Morrison Government has been driving with the handbrake on while Australia falls further behind countries like the United States, China and Norway in EV uptake,” he said.

“That needs to change in tonight’s Federal Budget.

“We know Coalition MPs are tearing themselves apart over tax exemptions and other incentives, but it’s high time the Prime Minister pulls their heads in and delivers some real solutions.”

Member for Logan and proud EV owner Linus Power said the chargers were perfect for workplaces like Parliament House, where users typically need to ‘top up’ their EV by charging it for a couple of hours.

“In 30 minutes, they can add enough charge to drive a typical EV 50 kilometres – comfortably getting me to Jimboomba, Park Ridge or Yarrabilba,” Mr Power said.

“Queensland is also home to the longest electric super highway in a single state, with 31 fast-charging sites getting you from Coolangatta to Cairns.

“The Sunshine State continues to lead the nation in rooftop solar, and by supporting EV uptake, we’re also helping soak up our excess solar generated by Queenslanders.

“What we need to see are incentives that make EVs more affordable and accessible on the Australian market.”

Since 2018, the Palaszczuk Government’s QFleet Electric Vehicle Transition Strategy has seen the number of EVs double year on year in the government fleet.

“By year’s end, 144 vehicles driven by our TAFE teachers, palliative care nurses and other frontline staff will be low or emissions free,” Mr de Brenni said.

“In 2012, Tim Mander’s EV strategy was to strip QFleet of the three EVs it had – putting Queensland in reverse.

“When it comes to renewables and EVs, Queensland is sick and tired of the LNP keeping everyone in ‘park’.”

ENDS

Media contact: Ben Brew 0468 839 551