Electric vehicles are cleaner, quieter, and growing in number — but they also raise an important question: who should pay for our roads?
Bradfield has the highest number of EV registrations in the country. With fuel excise revenue steadily declining due to more efficient cars and the rise of EVs, the government is exploring a road-user charge as a fair way for all drivers to contribute to road maintenance. But how should such a system work, and what’s reasonable for households and businesses?
Join us for an open conversation where we unpack the economics, practicalities, and fairness of road funding in a changing transport landscape. This event is about exploring trade-offs, asking questions, and connecting national debates to real-world choices.
Tim Buckley
Director of Climate Energy Finance, Australasia
Tim has 35 years financial markets experience, including providing public interest related financial analysis on the energy transition since 2013, studying China, India and Australia.
Tim founded Climate Energy Finance Australasia in 2022, having co-founded and worked with the global energy finance thinktank IEEFA over 2013-2021. For 17 years Tim was a Managing Director at Citigroup, Head of Australasian Equity Research. Tim has published over 100 reports on the global energy transition.
Helen Rowe
Transport Program Impact Lead
Helen leads Climateworks’ transport program, working with government and industry stakeholders to define a common vision and action plan to move the sector to zero emissions.
Helen’s contributions to Climateworks are supported by a strong track record in cities and sustainable transport, having held leadership roles in government, consulting and not-for-profits, as well as research roles. She worked in the Victorian Department of Transport for many years, including as Director of Sustainable Transport Programs and was then a driving force behind the startup CoDesign Studio, where she was principal consultant and Head of Innovation and Strategy for six years. She is a regular public speaker on cities, transport and innovation, and has significant expertise in engagement and facilitation.
Dr Chris Jones
President of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association
Chris lectures in applied engineering and energy sector fields at South Metropolitan TAFE, Perth, and is the current president of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) - a volunteer-run, not-for-profit association dedicated to advancing electric transport in Australia.
Since 1973, AEVA has served as a friendly forum for anyone to learn about electric vehicles. As the key body representing EV consumers, end-users and enthusiasts, the AEVA has long championed evidence-driven policy which accelerates the switch to electric in the fairest way possible.
Nicolette Boele MP
Member for Bradfield
Before being elected as Bradfield’s independent MP in 2025, Nicolette worked across clean energy, finance, and sustainable investment, helping businesses and governments make practical, evidence-based decisions that strengthen the economy. She’s held senior roles with the Responsible Investment Association Australasia, the Investor Group on Climate Change, and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and advised start-ups bringing affordable electric vehicles to Australians.
A lifelong local, Nicolette grew up and now raises her family in Bradfield. She brings her economic and policy expertise into community conversations, connecting national debates on productivity and reform to everyday life.