Victoria is cementing its place as Australia’s leader in zero-emissions vehicles, with an Expert Advisory Panel appointed to keep the state at the forefront of sustainable technology and help the sector meet its ambitious emissions targets.

As part of the Victorian Government’s Climate Change Strategy, the state has introduced a target of half of all new light vehicle sales to be zero-emissions by 2030, backed by an unprecedented $100 million support package to make these vehicles accessible to Victorians.

The new Expert Advisory Panel will advise the Government on further policies, programs and investments to ensure Victoria meets – and exceeds – its new 2030 target, with a six-month program of research and analysis before the panel delivers a final report in December.

The five-member Panel includes Peter Harris AO as Chair with Monique Conheady, Bruce Mountain, Natasha Santha and John Thwaites – a group with a broad range of skills and experience across the economics, procurement, energy and transport sectors.

The Government’s $100 million investment will make sustainable vehicles a reality for more Victorians – with additional charging infrastructure to be delivered across the state, a focus on zero-emissions vehicles in government and commercial fleet purchases, and a $3,000 subsidy for new vehicle purchases.

Victorians are already showing strong interest in zero-emissions vehicles, with more than 600 registrations of interest for the subsidy scheme since its announcement last month, and imports of new electric vehicles to Victoria more than tripling in the last six months.

The $100 million package also includes a Zero Emission Bus Trial to support the transition to 100 per cent of new bus purchases being emissions-free from 2025 – delivering a cleaner, smoother journey for commuters and making Victoria the home of sustainable transport manufacturing, providing a pipeline of attractive local jobs in the sector.

Reducing emissions across the road transport fleet is critical to Victoria halving its carbon emissions by 2030 and meeting its legislated commitment of zero net emissions by 2050. The panel will report to both the Minister for Public Transport and Roads and the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change.

Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport and Roads Ben Carroll

“We’re taking bold steps to cut emissions from our transport sector – and I’m excited to see our expert advisory panel provide innovative ideas on how we can continue to make Victoria the home of zero-emissions travel.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Reducing emissions in our transport sector by getting more electric vehicles on our roads it vitalto halving our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.”

Quote attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

“Transport is a major producer of carbon emissions, but our support for zero-emissions transport alternatives isn’t just cutting carbon – it’s creating thousands of local jobs for Victorians.”