The Queensland LNP has axed a previous mandate to replace all eligible government cars with “zero emission” vehicles by December 2026.
Instead, the Liberal National Party (LNP) government has released a new strategy that sets a smaller 10 percent emissions reduction target across the entire fleet by 2030, rather than focusing on replacing individual vehicles.
Public Works Minister Sam O'Connor said the move would give public servants more freedom to purchase the type of QFleet vehicles they need.
“Our new strategy moves beyond simply mandating one type of vehicle for procurement,” he said.
The QFleet Vehicle Emissions Reduction Strategy 2025-2030 replaces Labor’s 2023-26 strategy.
Going forward, there will be annual fleet reviews, moves to improve journey planning, using low-emissions or EV options where possible, better servicing, and use of lower emission E10 fuels.
“At the same time as our emissions will be decreasing, our fleet will see annual growth of around 1.5 percent per year—equating to around 9 percent growth over the period of the 10 percent reduction in emissions,” O'Connor said.
“That means while our fleet will be larger than ever, our emissions will be lower than ever.”
The Epoch Times contacted Labor’s shadow spokeswoman for public works, Charis Mullen, for comment.
Since coming to power, the LNP has steadily distanced itself from the previous Labor government’s strict climate policies.
Late last year, Premier David Crisafulli announced the state would reject set renewables targets—choosing to support net zero by 2050 but dropping requirements for set milestones along the way.
The LNP also axed a planned multi-billion-dollar pumped hydro project for Mackay, calling it “unviable” and saying the price tag had ballooned to three times the 2022 Labor estimate.
Queensland’s latest move on EVs comes after the Trump administration removed a Biden-era mandate in January for half of all new car purchases by 2030 to be electric vehicles.
