In 2002 the Howard Government banned the then 15 year old Japanese vehicle imports at the behest of "our" then 3 local manufacturers, Toyota, Ford 7 GM (Holden) on the basis that the continued importation of these vehicles would threaten the economic viability of the local manufacturers.
We now know that that was bullshit because these 3 shot themselves in the manufacturing foot by importing new vehicles which outsold the locally manufactured models.
In 2018 our Government re-installed (in part) the pre 2002 15 year old used vehicle import regime with a 'claytons" 25 year old regime which now permits the importation of 25 year old RHD vehicles of less than 3500 KGS GVM.
Now compare this with Canada today: Canada permits the importation of 15 year old cars (RHD or LHD)even though Canada has a bigger motor manufacturing industry now than Aus had in 2002!
IMO , the Foreign owned Auto companies still control Australian Automotive Policy even though the pulled the pin on local manufacture 6 years ago . Our aged petrol clunkers are still a significent profit centre for these multinationals who see the importation of cheap 15 year old fuel efficient Japanese cars as a threat to their hip pocket
IMO we should follow the Canadian lead and allow 15 year old Japanese carsto be imported so that working class Aussies can scrap the fuel guzzler and replace it with a good 15 year old/low klm fuel efficient/safe Jap import.
