Australians need to take this seriously—rules like this were a big factor in these killer machines becoming the norm in the US.
This is thankfully only about imports so it will limit the damage, but the coming fuel efficiency standards carve out an exception too (although I believe they are more stringent than the US standards at least).
EDIT: I was under the impression the tax only applies to private imports, but it actually doesn’t. See my below comment. But it is limited to higher priced vehicles at least.
The US also has this loophole, all SUVs are classified as ‘light trucks’ and therefore don’t have to follow the more strict emissions laws. This is what led to these massive cars and trucks.
Also, the roads in many US states are falling apart and larger vehicles and trucks drive better over potholes and bad road conditions.
People prefer big SUVs and trucks when the roads are badly maintained and it will damage normal cars. The trend of larger rims with a thinner sidewall almost guarantees normal cars will have much worse ride quality and be more prone to damage and costly repairs.
The new trucks are so tall and have a massive blind spot in front, you can’t see anything. They are a danger to pedestrians and children in addition to having blinding headlights that shine directly at eye level for any normal car.
Stop blaming roads on consumer trucks. Nearly all the damage is 18 wheelers. Same with the headlights they are just fine unless modified. You have zero evidence they are any brighter or aimed worse than every other vehicle on the road.
Australia doesn’t manufacturer cars any more. All cars in Australia are imported. Unless I’m misunderstanding your comment?
The law refers to cars that aren’t directly sold in Australia, i.e. through private imports. So if you buy from a dealer that has a presence in Australia, the import tax doesn’t apply. And it only applies to cars above a certain price I should add, hence the name: Luxury Car Tax (LCT).
EDIT: Actually, I’m wrong on this. It applies to retailers and wholesalers too, see: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/gst-excise-and-indirect-taxes/luxury-car-tax/when-lct-applies
