Senate

Revised Explanatory Memorandum

(Circulated by authority of the Treasurer, the Hon Peter Costello, MP)

Chapter 4 - Eligibility of emergency vehicles

Outline of Chapter

4.1 This Chapter explains new entitlement provisions for the Diesel and Alternative Fuels Grants Scheme Act 1999 (DAFGSA 1999) for emergency vehicles.

Context of reform

4.2 The Government intends to amend the DAFGSA 1999 to extend eligibility for the grant to all emergency vehicles regardless of location using diesel and alternative fuels in their operations.

Summary of new law

4.3 The amendment will extend eligibility to emergency vehicles of over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM) using diesel and alternative fuels.

Detailed explanation of new law

4.4 It is proposed to extend the Diesel and Alternative Fuels Grant Scheme to emergency vehicles over 4.5 tonnes GVM using diesel and alternative fuels. This amendment would remove an anomaly whereby these vehicles could otherwise be excluded if they were considered to be special purpose vehicles not designed to carry goods or passengers. The amendment will primarily assist fire fighting services and will apply regardless of whether they operate in metropolitan areas or non-metropolitan areas. [Schedule 1, items 1, 5 and 6, new section 10AD]