Road user charge will ensure all drivers contribute to maintenance and upgrades
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Roads Australia (RA) has called for the development and implementation of a nationally consistent Road User Charge (RUC) framework by 2028, urging governments to act swiftly to secure long-term funding for Australia’s road infrastructure.
Speaking following the Road User Charge Forum in Sydney today, hosted by Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, RA chief executive Ehssan Veiszadeh joined industry and government leaders to discuss the design of a fair, transparent and future-ready RUC system.
“We’re not just talking about replacing a tax — we’re talking about rebuilding equity in how we fund the roads Australians rely on every day,” Mr Veiszadeh said.
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, the fuel excise, a major source of road maintenance funding, is rapidly declining. Without reform, we risk falling short on the infrastructure needed to support our growing population and economy.
RA supports a federally led framework that applies to all vehicles not currently paying fuel excise, with a phased rollout beginning with electric and heavy vehicles. The system would operate alongside existing fuel excise and state-based charges, allowing for a natural transition as EV uptake increases.
“Fuel excise revenue is in terminal decline. Without reform, we risk a future where our roads are underfunded, unsafe, and unable to support the demands of a growing population,” Mr Veiszadeh said. “A national RUC is not just a funding mechanism — it’s a productivity reform.”
Countries like New Zealand have already implemented RUC for all vehicles, demonstrating that a well-designed system can be both equitable and effective.
Mr Veiszadeh said revenue raised through the RUC must be transparently reinvested into maintaining and improving the road network.
About Roads Australia
Roads Australia is peak body for roads within an integrated transport system. Our 120+ member organisations include Australia’s transport agencies, major contractors and consultants, asset owners and operators, material suppliers and technology providers.
Media contact: Katherine Danks | katherine.danks@roads.org.au | 0416 206 961