Inside Line Top Stories Global Newsfeed Deep Research About Partner with Us Help Centre Contact Membership Sign In
Search
Press Enter to search, Esc to close

Budget 2026-27: what the auto industry actually thinks

Inside Line

Four peak bodies, one Budget, and a clear verdict: welcome, but not enough. TheAutoExec maps the industry's response to the Chalmers Budget across EVs, fuel security, road user charging, and the tax reform that keeps getting deferred.

Mike Sinclair
17 May 2026 · 7 min read

The Federal Budget delivered by Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Tuesday night drew broad support from Australian automotive bodies: they welcomed the main measures but stressed that the most challenging work is still ahead.

Themed 'Resilience and Reform' and dominated by the Government's $14.8 billion response to the Middle East oil shock, the 2026-27 Budget delivers three packages of direct interest to the sector: a substantial fuel-security commitment, a recalibration of the electric vehicle tax settings, and a permanent extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small business.

This article is for members

Sign in to continue reading, or join to unlock this article and hundreds more.

Join now

Gold members get

  • Inside Line exclusive content
  • Executive summaries with every headline
  • Member discussions with industry peers
  • Brand homepages and full search access

From $12.50/month

AAA FCAI NVES
Mike Sinclair
Mike Sinclair
Partner and Principal Columnist, TheAutoExec Network

Mike Sinclair is an equity partner and Principal Columnist for TheAutoExec Network. Mike has been testing and writing about cars, motorcycles and more for over 30 years. He was a key executive team member when ACP Media and Carsales formed Australia's leading automotive, industrial, marine and motorcycle online network in the 2000s, and the driving force behind the launch of motoring.com.au. For two decades, Mike led the large multimedia and editorial team at Carsales, and all PR and corporate communications. With significant exposure to both OEM and dealership disciplines, Mike now consults with a number of key brands on a range of automotive and powersports opportunities.

Member Discussion

More from Inside Line
Mike Sinclair · 2 days ago

May’s sales numbers: electrified closes on half the market, and seven more things to ponder
Glenn Butler · 4 days ago

Germany’s car industry is imploding, and the rest of the world is downwind
Mike Sinclair · 31 May 2026

It’s not about the boat: How BYD took just six weeks to go from oil shock to wharf
Mike Sinclair · 28 May 2026

The legal architecture behind 7- and 10-year car warranties, and what every dealer and OEM needs to know