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The 2026 Federal Budget has been presented, with plenty of commitments, but just a few surprises for motorists.
The 2026 Federal Budget offers a theme of ‘resilience and reform’ with initiatives that weave their way through an ocean of acronyms and numerical data.
Among the small-business support packages, tax offsets and healthcare programs though, are a number of items that impact motorists around the country, albeit with significant focus on low and zero-emission cars.
Here are the 2026 Federal Budget winners and losers on the road…
Affordable EV buyers: Changes to the fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption on EVs will see cars priced up to $75,000 still able to claim a 100 per cent FBT (Fringe Benefit Tax) exemption until 31 March, 2029.
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle owners: Expect to see more public EV chargers thanks to a $40-million funding commitment over the next four years.
New-generation mechanics: $15.4-million investment into enhancing workshop and skills capability to sell, service and repair electric vehicles.
Petrol and diesel buyers: A continued commitment of $3.6-million over two years to conduct real-world fuel consumption testing for passenger vehicles.
Road safety: Over $600-million over four years committed to the accident ‘Black Spot’ road safety initiative.
Petrol and diesel drivers: The fuel excise cut may have saved a collective $2.9 billion, but it ends on 30 June, and the forecasts project excise revenue will rise over 37 per cent over the next four years.
There are no meaningful changes to the Luxury Car Tax (LCT), which is forecast to have earnings remain at approximately $1.1 billion until FY30.
The Instant Asset Write-Off for small businesses stays at $20,000.
Did you follow the 2026 Federal Budget? Is there anything you want to know?
Comment below with your questions, and we'll do our best to decipher the documents for you.
With over 20 years of experience in digital publishing, James Ward has worked within the automotive landscape since 2007 and brings experience from the publishing, manufacturer and lifestyle side of the industry together to spearhead Drive's multi-media content direction.
