The Squiz writes on The Squiz about upcoming changes to electric vehicle tax incentives. Read more on The Squiz.

With EV adoption in Australia reaching record levels, the government is introducing legislation to phase out certain tax breaks. While this aims to manage the budget impact of the FBT exemption, it raises important questions about maintaining momentum for decarbonising transport.

Key points from the report:

1. The current FBT exemption for EVs is costing significantly more than initially projected.
2. New rules may introduce a tiered system for vehicles over $75,000 from 2027.
3. Discussions regarding a potential road user charge for EVs are also ongoing.

For Tasmanians looking to transition to electric transport, these policy shifts could influence the affordability and accessibility of EVs in the coming years.

Green Building Council of Australia writes on the transition to electrified work vehicles. Read more on the Green Building Council of Australia website.

As we move away from fossil fuels, the transition of commercial fleets and work vehicles is a critical component of decarbonisation. For Tasmanian tradies, particularly those in regional areas, the shift to electric vans and utes offers a significant opportunity to reduce both operational costs and carbon emissions.

Key takeaways from the guide include:

1. Cost Savings: Switching from diesel to an EV could save a tradie upwards of $5,000 per year in energy costs, depending on charging habits and vehicle choice.
2. Choosing the Right Vehicle: The guide compares various models, including Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs), noting that the benefits of PHEVs are heavily dependent on regular charging.
3. Practical Considerations: Factors such as payload, towing capacity, and real-world range under load are essential considerations for any professional.
4. Charging Infrastructure: Planning for home charging and assessing existing electrical circuits is vital for maximizing efficiency and savings.

Transitioning to electrified transport is a practical step toward a more resilient and sustainable economy.

Researchers write on The Conversation about what six decades of Australian environmental activism tell us about winning campaigns. Read more on The Conversation.

The research team screened more than 3,700 environmental groups and built a database of 2,139 named campaigns going back to the 1960s. They found that partial success is the most common result. Almost two-thirds (62.5%) of campaigns made at least some progress towards their goal, and about one in five fully achieved it. Victoria's end to native forest logging shows how these partial wins add up. Thirty years of protecting one forest at a time eventually ended the industry.

The study found two things that shaped success:

1. Clear, specific goals. Campaigns to protect a particular forest or stop a particular project are easier to win, and their wins are easier to measure, than broad systemic goals. 78% of conservation campaigns had some success, compared with 66% of climate campaigns.
2. The right target. Campaigns aimed at banks were the most successful, with 28 of 30 achieving some success. Campaigns aimed at super funds were close behind. Campaigns aimed at politicians did worst, with only 39% achieving their goal in part or in full.

Why it matters for Tasmania: This is encouraging news for anyone campaigning here, especially for the protection of Tasmania's native forests. The research shows that steady, focused pressure works over time, even when individual wins are only partial. It also backs up campaigns that target banks, super funds and specific decisions, not just politicians.

The authors point to the recent High Court ruling on the Mount Pleasant coal mine as an example of a well-designed campaign: a clear goal, a specific decision to challenge, and a community willing to stay the course. They also note that people are more likely to act when they believe action works. That's a good reason to celebrate every win, however small.

Generation Justice writes on their campaign page about the urgent need to end coal and gas expansion in Australia. Read more on Generation Justice.

With two UN Special Rapporteurs raising serious allegations regarding Australia's continued fossil fuel expansion, the gap between Australia's climate rhetoric and its domestic actions is widening. This is a critical moment for climate action, especially as we approach COP31.

Generation Justice is calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to:

1. Stop approving new coal and gas projects and expansions.
2. Immediately end subsidies to coal and gas corporations.
3. Develop a national roadmap to phase out climate pollution in a fast and fair way.
4. 
   

Action required: You can add your name to their open letter by 9 November 2026. Sign the open letter here.