Message from the CEO – Stuart Norman
While it’s full steam ahead for Parking Australia holding PACE next month, this week there was a bigger event held in Canberra, called the Federal Budget.
In previous years the Government have announced additional funding for their commuter car park scheme. This year it was no surprise that the initiative wasn’t given a mention. In terms of what was announced, Parking Australia welcomes the temporary cut in fuel excise. Getting motorists out driving is key to on and off-street parking providers right around the country.
With the current price of fuel at record levels, people are driving less and thus parking less. If they are parking, they are looking to where they can park at little to no cost, or working from home that one extra day.
What was missing in the budget was any initiative or funding to support the implementation of mobility and transport technology. In many ways it was more of the same. Funding for roads and rail with no consideration about how to improve the efficiency of our transport systems.
With a date for the election coming in the next week, it will be interesting to see what announcements are made.
Although, I doubt there will be much about car parks, as the topic seems to be toxic for the government and the opposition distancing themselves from the policy they took to the last election.
With our flagship industry event – PACE 2022 – fast approaching, it is imperative that we as an industry come together in a supportive and insightful forum to exchange ideas, connect and learn. I look forward to seeing you there.
Kind regards,
Stuart Norman
CEO – Parking Australia