Opposition Leader Peter Dutton insists 'no change' to electric vehicle tax break after confusion over policy within party
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has had a tense encounter with the press pack for a second straight day as reporters sought clarity about the Coalition's plan on tax breaks for electric vehicles.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has clashed with a reporter who repeatedly asked for clarification on the Coalition's plan on tax breaks for electric vehicle purchases.
The Liberal leader on Monday had vowed there would be no change to the policy which has seen more than 100,000 customers not have to pay fringe benefits tax (FTB).
The scheme introduced by the Albanese government allows drivers to deduct the cost of an EV worth up to $91,387 from FTB when bought through a novated lease.
But there was confusion on Wednesday when the Coalition's campaign headquarters released a budget savings statement showing FTB being cut and $3 billion saved.
“The Coalition will: unwind Labor’s taxpayer-funded and badly designed electric car subsidies, saving upwards of $3 billion over the forward estimates and $23 billion over the medium term,” Coalition headquarters said in a statement about budget savings.
Speaking from Hobart to announce $90 million in funding to tackle the rise in domestic and family violence, the Opposition Leader said there was "no change to the policy".
Mr Dutton added he did not support Labor's plan that would see plug-in hybrid cars phased out of the FTB exemption, claiming prices of best-selling cars will spike.
He was pressed further later in the press conference, insisting again there was no intention to roll back subsidies on electric vehicles if he was elected in nine days' time.
"There has been no policy change, no discussion about that policy this week. It has been long-standing since we took the decision," he said to another journalist.
"I answered the question (on Monday) in relation to the ute tax and I've been very clear... in relation to FBT our policy has not changed since we first announced our position.
"In relation to the ute tax issue, which I think Australians are only starting to hear. I think it is worth restating because I do not support Anthony Albanese's $14,000 tax whack on tradies and Australians who want to go and buy a Ford range or Toyota Hilux."
The same reporter then asked Mr Dutton why his team did not, for example, clear it up with journalists on the Monday that the party did support the repealing of the EV tax break before its statement on Wednesday which contradicted the Opposition Leader's remarks.
"Well, I just don't accept the premise of your question. What do you mean by your question?" the Liberal leader responded, drawing some laughter.
"I think we're better off accepting we have a difference of opinion. I've read my response and the response was very clear: no change to our policy.
"My response (on Monday) was in relation to the ute tax. Sometimes, you ask a question, we don't always respond exactly how you would want us to... we do our best to answer faithfully according to word-by-word the question you asked."
He reiterated the "conspiracy" this week about the change to EV policy was "wrong", stressing however he would abolish tax on Labor's "ute and car tax".
It comes after Mr Dutton hit back at journalists on Wednesday while defending the Coalition's move to boost federal defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030.
The Coalition on Thursday revealed a $90 million investment to address the concerning escalation in domestic and family violence across the country.
According to the Australian Femicide Watch, 23 women have died so far in 2025, more than one a week, while five children have lost their lives as well.
A Dutton-government has pledged to establish a national register of domestic and family violence offenders in a bid to help police and agencies across all jurisdictions better access, to share information and manage risks to the community.
The Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program will also be expanded to allow separating couples with an asset pool of up to $1.5 million, currently at $550,000, to resolve matters not involving children quickly through the courts.
Mr Dutton visited CatholicCare in the Tasmanian electorate of Clark with Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley, shadow attorney-general Michaelia Cash, shadow minister for child protection and the prevention of family violence Kerrynne Liddle.
It is currently held by independent Andrew Wilkie by almost 21 per cent. The Liberal candidate hoping to challenge for the seat is Marilena Di Florio.