thatbastardken posted:

vb and darts aren't banned substances

Solemn Sloth posted:

People follow Shane Warne on Twitter?

I would blow Dane Cook posted:

Anidav posted:

When is the next Newspoll?

Mr Chips posted:

Am I wrong, or will reducing the company tax rate to 25% also reduce the dividend imputation offset that all these hard off pensioners rely on?

bikes bikes bikes posted:

ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury has called on the federal government to remove a tariff imposed on electric bikes, arguing it would reduce their uptake in cities like Canberra.

In a recent letter to Assistant Home Affairs Minister Angus Taylor, the ACT Climate Change Minister said the five per cent tariff would mean the costs of e-bikes would increase.

Cycling groups say electric bikes are a gateway for casual riders. Photo: Supplied

Mr Rattenbury said the tariff would also impact on the number of people wanting to take up cycling, with e-bike use on the rise.

"While I understand the intent of the tariff, and the desire to support local manufacturing, I am concerned that this tariff will introduce another obstacle to the increased take up of cycling and active travel," he said.

Shane Rattenbury has written to the federal government calling for the tariff on e-bikes to be removed. Photo: Sitthixay Ditthavong

"I expect the tariff to result in an increase in the cost of e-bikes, as the vast majority of them are currently imported, and many from countries impacted by the tariff."

Cycling groups have said e-bikes - bikes with motors attached - are used as a gateway for people wanting to take up cycling, with the motor often used on hill climbs.

As well as e-bikes, the tariff also applies to electric scooters and motorcycles.

Mr Rattenbury said an increased number of bikes out on Canberra roads was a key part of the government's target of net zero greenhouse gases by 2050.

"The ACT government is currently progressing a range of policy initiatives designed to encourage the uptake of e-bikes," he said.

"It would be very disappointing if the five per cent tariff created a disincentive to the uptake of e-bikes."

Pedal Power ACT chief executive Ian Ross said there has been a large uptake in the number of e-bike users in Canberra in recent years.

He said the electric bikes were a good alternative for commuters who want to cycle to work, but live far away from the office.

"E-bikes have made a good entry into the ACT, and they're the next wave that will get people into cycling," Mr Ross said.

"It allows you to tackle distances or hills that you might not otherwise tackle, and for people who are not really cyclists, it makes cycling to work a genuine possibility."

The chief executive said while numbers of e-bikes would always be small compared to traditional bikes, the two could co-exist.

"Their use is growing, and I'm seeing more and more on the streets."

A Home Affairs department spokeswoman said e-bike importers have been able to access a duty concession as there were no Australian manufacturers.

​"Bicycles with an electric motor imported into Australia are currently subject to the general rate of customs duty of five per cent," the spokesman said.

"E-bikes imported under any of Australia's free trade agreements continue to be eligible for a 'free' rate of customs duty."

froglet posted:

https://amp.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/shane-rattenbury-calls-on-federal-government-to-reduce-electric-bike-tariff-20180322-h0xu94.html


I know I'm probably the bike-crazy-in-residence in Auspol, but I could see ebikes replacing a lot of cars if there was sufficient government backing.

Also from memory this taxation thing came about recently because an Australian ebike company that didn't even make "street legal" ebikes (i.e. pedelec assistance up to 25kmph) complained about the tax treatment of the imports that were.

I would blow Dane Cook posted:

meh

https://twitter.com/GhostWhoVotes/status/977857973237071872

duck monster posted:

I still have to fix my e-bike. I brought a cheap 200watt one that was actually a 400watt one, but the guy stuck a 200watt controller onto a 400watt motor. Which meant the 200watt controller exploded because thats how electrical loads work. Unfortunately china purchase, so sending it back for refund costs more than the purchase. So I'm probably just going to build my own controller because gently caress it. Might as well put that engineering background to use somehow.

Also, hello Auspol, its been a while

duck monster posted:

7% of australians should probably be put in rubbish bins. Maybe most.

froglet posted:

https://amp.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/shane-rattenbury-calls-on-federal-government-to-reduce-electric-bike-tariff-20180322-h0xu94.html


I know I'm probably the bike-crazy-in-residence in Auspol, but I could see ebikes replacing a lot of cars if there was sufficient government backing.

Also from memory this taxation thing came about recently because an Australian ebike company that didn't even make "street legal" ebikes (i.e. pedelec assistance up to 25kmph) complained about the tax treatment of the imports that were.

duck monster posted:

7% of australians should probably be put in rubbish bins. Maybe most.

duck monster posted:

7% of australians should probably be put in rubbish bins. Maybe most.

Mad Katter posted:

Hi duck monster. 400w is a fair amount of power for a bike. How heavy is it?

G-Spot Run posted:

I think it's been said before that it does, but people outraged about the labor plan probably don't actually understand how the credits work, or even necessarily have them, it'll be blind "AR PENSIONERS" akin to the "CARBON TAX ARRGBLEEAAARGH" campaigns run by the excessively wealthy.

Mad Katter posted:

Hi duck monster. 400w is a fair amount of power for a bike. How heavy is it?

Anidav posted:

My concern is the action of passing a tax cut of any kind, no matter if it effects them or not - will bring those swing voter Howard battler goblins back to the LNP.

AKA that one retired tradesman who never joined a union and always brings it up.

Inescapable Duck posted:

How many of them are actually swing voters? Given the LNP is ALWAYS down to cut taxes...