Are you an energetic business person looking to operate a new franchise, or a qualified, experienced driving instructor with a passion for excellence in low-risk driving? If so, and you’re passionate about helping our Members and customers, then now is your chance to get involved with an NRMA Safer Driving School.
NRMA established a pilot driving school at its North Strathfield office in October 2005. The first of its kind in Australia, the school offers initial lessons on high technology driving simulators imported from Europe, and its emphasis is on low-risk driving rather than on simply passing the driving test.
Our aim is to have NRMA Safer Driving Schools in all major cities and towns, using a network of franchisees and contractors. (Initially, the driving simulators can’t be used elsewhere, but they may be made available at selected locations in the future.)
We are targeting the Sydney metro areas, Canberra, Wagga wagga, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Central Coast initially, with other major regions to follow.
If you’re keen to become involved with an NRMA Safer Driving School, send your expression of interest to Alan Finlay, Head of Safer Driving Programs. Email safer.driving@mynrma.com.au or fax 8741 6955.
While you’re waiting for the NRMA Safer Driving School to get to your area, you can purchase a copy of NRMA’s Safer Driving DVD, priced at just $29.95 (plus P&H) for NRMA Members (or $45 plus P&H for non-Members). To purchase, or for more details call 1300 696 762 or visit NRMA Safer Driving Programs.
NRMA supports road safety packageIn recent months, the NSW Government introduced its road safety package. As a result “children will be safer getting to and from school,” says Tony Stuart, CEO NRMA Motoring & Services.
“After years of delays and setbacks, Eric Roozendaal, the Minister for Roads, has delivered a comprehensive package that involves the whole community in the safety of school children,” says Tony.
“We are very pleased that the Government is committing to a $300 million package of flashing lights, variable speed signs and electronic variable message signs.
“For the first time ever speed camera revenue will be directed into road safety projects.”
We support the package because:
We’re not sure if it was the full moon, but on Tuesday, June 13, NRMA Motoring & Services received the highest volume of calls in over a year.
We helped to get more than 7606 stranded Members going again.
NRMA Batteries went one better with a record 1018 calls for our battery patrols, the highest in its 11-year history. Surprisingly, it wasn’t raining, but both the Tuesday and the Monday before were particularly cold and this could have contributed to the record breakdowns, according to Gary Campbell, NRMA’s Head of Service Control and Contact Centres.
If your battery is feeling the cold this winter, call NRMA Batteries on 13 11 22 and get free installation and delivery, 24 hours, seven days a week.
If you know an everyday hero, reward them with a nomination for the NRMA Motoring & Services’ Helping People Awards.
We’re looking for the unsung heroes in our community who give their all, day in, day out, and never ask for anything in return. If you know someone who’s always helping others, but who goes largely unnoticed themselves, here’s a chance to give them the recognition they deserve.
The winning nominee will be rewarded with a trip for two with P&O Cruises on a 14-night South Pacific Cruise aboard the superliner Pacific Dawn, valued at more than $9000, plus a $10,000 donation to a charity of their choice. The runner-up will receive a seven-day Getabout Adventures luxury 4WD tour to the Victorian High Country, valued at $4700, plus a $5000 donation to a charity of their choice.
This year we are also introducing a special new category for young people aged 25 years or under. The winner of this category will receive a Sony Mini DV Handycam valued at $1399, plus a $3000 donation to a charity of their choice.
For more information on the Helping People Awards, or to nominate someone, visit NRMA's Helping People Awards or call 1800 838 232. Entries close Wednesday, August 16.
Last year’s winner was Kevin Sharp. Click here for his story.
Free2go: NRMA Offers Free Roadside Assistance for 17-18 year oldsCalling all young drivers in New South Wales and the ACT – there’s no need for you to be stranded by the side of the road ever again!
Sign up to NRMA’s new Free2go program and get yourself free roadside assistance if you’re 17–18 years old. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving your own car or someone else’s, or even if you’re the passenger and not the driver. You also get discounts and offers on a whole range of great stuff (see below).
As long as you’re a Free2go Member, the car you’re in is covered. Free2go is a three-year program and works like this:
YEAR 1: If you’re 17 or 18, you can join the program in the first year and get Free2go roadside assistance for the next 12 months free.
YEAR 2: You’ll pay only half price of a Basic Care package and get Free2go roadside assistance for 12 months.
YEAR 3 ONWARDS: You can purchase any one of our membership packages each year and continue to enjoy all Free2go discounts and benefits until you’re 25.
What you get
In your first year you receive:
So get online or give us a call and be free to go wherever you like.
For more information about Free2go, or to join, visit Free2go or call 13 11 22. *Excludes commercial vehicles and taxis.
A taste of the Free2go discounts
Be Free2Go
In an Aussie first, NRMA Motoring & Services conducted an E-xperiment that saw 20 teens with a mobile phone and a notebook, sign up over 800 new Free2go Members in 24 hours.
As part of the launch of Free2go in June, each of the 20 techno-savvy teenagers was given the latest X150 Samsung mobile phone and a HP CORE-DUO notebook, to spread the message to friends about NRMA’s new Free2go program.
“Armed with the latest technology, the young recruits went to work spreading a message they believed to be important,” says NRMA CEO Tony Stuart. “They cast a wide net and the results have shown NRMA that it is time we change the way young drivers are given road safety messages.”
The recent hike in petrol prices has sparked much debate by motorists over Australia’s fuel excise regime and the $14 billion the Federal Government collects every year from us via the bowser. So, how much of your fuel bill really goes to the Government? NRMA Motoring & Services’ Policy team separates fact from fiction.
The Government taxes motorists more than it spends on roads?
True: In the 2005/06 financial year, the Commonwealth Government collected $14.07 billion in Petroleum Excise revenue. In comparison, they spent around $2.1 billion on roads. This means for every dollar the Commonwealth Government collects in Petroleum Excise it spends less than 15 cents on the nation’s roads.
The Commonwealth Government benefits from higher fuel prices?
False: Higher petrol prices mean that motorists pay more tax. This is because petrol and other fuels are subject to GST.
However, although the Commonwealth Government collects the GST, it is handed back to the state governments, so it is the states that benefit from rising fuel prices not the Commonwealth Government.
In 2001, the Commonwealth Government fixed the rate at which it levies Petroleum Excise. Hence, the Commonwealth Government does not benefit from higher fuel prices.
I’m paying a tax on a tax?
True: The GST is levied on the total cost of petrol at the pump, which includes the Petroleum Excise of 38.143 cents per litre. This means that the GST is calculated on the untaxed price of petrol as well as the amount that consumers pay to the Commonwealth Government in the form of Petroleum Excise. This amounts to a tax on tax.
So, how much am I being taxed?
The amount of Petroleum Excise you pay depends on the type of fuel and the amount that you purchase. The table below details the rate of excise payable for four different types of fuels commonly used by motorists.
Type of fuel Excise rate per litre
Unleaded petrol 38.143 cents
Diesel 38.143 cents
LPG Exempt until 2011
Ethanol* Exempt until 2011*
*Ethanol is charged excise at the same rate as petrol and diesel but the amount is rebated making the excise rate effectively zero. It is sold as a blended fuel and only the ethanol component is excise free.
The GST is levied at 10% of the purchase price. By law, the advertised price of a good or service must include the amount of GST payable.
Calculating how much tax you pay
If you fill up your car with 60 litres of unleaded petrol and the advertised price of petrol is 135.1 cents per litre, how much tax are you paying?
Step 1: Work out the Petroleum Excise payable by multiplying the volume of fuel by the applicable excise rate. In this case, you would pay $22.89 (60 x 38.143/100 = $22.89).
Step 2: Calculate the GST payable by multiplying the total cost of the fuel by 1/11. If you buy 60 litres of fuel at 135.1 cents per litre you would pay a total price of $81.06 of which $7.37 would be GST ($81.06 x 1/11).
Step 3: Add the total excise (calculated in step 1) to the total GST (step 2). So, if you purchased 60 litres of unleaded petrol at 135.1 cents per litre, you would pay $30.26 in tax ($22.89 + $7.37). Of this, $22.89 goes directly to the Commonwealth Government and $7.37 would be given back to the State Government.
How NOT to buy a LEMONLast year NRMA released the findings of a report called Used Car Repairs – The Hidden Epidemic, which found that 42% of used cars sold privately in NSW had serious mechanical faults that could cost thousands in repairs, and worse, lives. The report found:
So don’t let it happen to you. Book an NRMA Vehicle Inspection online, or call 13 11 22 (Member discounts apply).
Motorists have done well from the NSW State and Federal budgets. There is increased funding for roads and, on the whole, motor vehicle taxes and charges have not changed. Importantly, it seems both governments have recognised what NRMA has been telling them for years: roads are vital to our economic and social development and spending on them is an investment in the future.
The Commonwealth Government promised a 30.9% increase in funding for Land Transport Infrastructure. This brings total Land Transport investment by the Commonwealth Government in 2004/2005 to 2008/09 to around $15 billion. Most of this is spent on the AusLink National Network, which includes roads of national significance as opposed to local roads.
Of the $2.7 billion that the Commonwealth has allocated for road and rail projects in 2006/07, 32% will go to NSW. The ACT will receive about 1% of total Commonwealth Government funding, which is in line with historical trends and reflects the urbanised nature of the ACT road network.
The NSW Government has promised to spend a record amount on roads and public transport in 2006/07 despite a record budget deficit of around $696 million in the coming year. The NSW Government will pay for this additional spending using borrowed money. They have allocated $3.3 billion for our road network in 2006/07 with $1.7 billion for the construction of new or upgrading existing roads, and $1.6 billion to maintain existing road networks.
Around 65% of total road expenditure will be spent in regional and rural NSW, such as the duplication of the Pacific Highway and upgrading Main Road 92. Metro Sydney will see a significant amount invested in upgrading Old Windsor Road and projects in Sydney’s North West.
Public transport also featured strongly in the NSW budget. In 2006/07, the Government has promised $3.4 billion for public transport. This shows a 14.5% increase on last year’s promises.
NSW Government budget at a glance
KEY ROAD PROJECTS INCLUDE: $356 million for the continuation of the three-year, $1.3 billion State/Federal Pacific Highway upgrade program; $113 million towards the upgrade of Windsor Road and the Windsor flood evacuation route; $8.2 million to start the upgrade between Oak Flats and Dunmore as part of the $380 million Princes Highway upgrade program; $15 million to extend the Northern Distributor and $5 million to start the construction of the Kiama ramps in the Illawarra; $26 million to continue the upgrade of the Great Western Highway; $11 million towards widening The Spit Bridge; $125 million for the North-West Transitway network; and $47 million for Central Coast roads.
Commonwealth budget at a glance
As an NRMA Member you can now enjoy 10% off the labour of any work done on your vehicle by an NRMA Approved Repairer as part of the Show Your Card & Save program.
The Approved Repairer Network (ARN) includes more than 300 repairers across NSW, so you are sure to find one close to you and potentially save hundreds of dollars over a year – more than the cost of your membership.
ARN has also produced Roadside Assistance breakdown advice forms so that NRMA patrols can leave written details of your vehicle’s problem with you, which you can give to your repairer.
Find your nearest Approved Repairer online or call 13 11 22.
The Honourable Tony Kelly, Minister for Lands, Emergency Services and Rural Affairs, along with NRMA President Alan Evans recently launched the new edition of the New South Wales Road Directory.
Using government data collected and verified by the Department of Lands, the directory has been researched, planned and designed to serve the needs of all NSW’s road users – travellers, tourists or business people.
It also serves State and local government agencies, police, ambulance, rural fire brigades and other emergency services. It contains the most comprehensive and accurate mapping available for NSW (and the ACT).
The New South Wales Road Directory includes:
This valuable resource is a must for every household and business. Members can buy the New South Wales Road Directory for the special price of $34.36 (rrp $44.95). You’ll also go into the draw to win your choice of a holiday within Australia to the value of $10,000*, including accommodation and air fares.
The winner will be drawn on Dec 5, 2006. See NRMA's Competitions and Special Offers for competition details and T&Cs. (*The winner can select from over 2000 holidays offered by NRMA Holidays.)
As part of our aim to reinvest in our Members, NRMA has launched a series of Gold and Gold Life Member Roadshows, designed to take NRMA to regional areas so we can introduce ourselves, face to face.
Our most loyal Members can find out about our shared history; get an update on community activities as we promote safer roads, safer vehicles and safer road users; get safer driving tips for seniors; learn how to get the most out of our NRMA Travel Planner; view a vintage vehicle display; and visit NRMA’s Mobile Member Centre.
So far, three Gold Member Roadshows have been held in Tamworth, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga. Three more Roadshows are scheduled for the second half of the year, with dates to be announced soon.
Remember, too, that as an NRMA Gold or Gold Life Member, you get an extra 10% discount off the already discounted Member price of NRMA’s special publications. This includes our Explore Australia range and the Experience fishing and golfing guides.
To take advantage of this special Gold and Gold Life Member discount, visit NRMA's bookshop, call 13 11 22, drop into the NRMA Mobile Member Centre or visit an NRMA office. Also, NRMA Gold and Gold Life Members visiting NSW National Trust Properties get a 50% discount off the entry price* for individuals and families until August 31, 2006.
*Excludes special events and exhibitions. Gold and Gold Life Members must show their NRMA Gold/Gold Life Member Card when entering NSW National Trust Properties to be eligible.
The NRMA Motoring & Services’ Ambassadors’ club is a group of retired patrol officers, each with over 30 years experience, who use their knowledge and enthusiasm for NRMA to build up a museum of NRMA memorabilia. The group, led by Don Bollard, NRMA Community Relations Manager, and comprising Ron White, John Bramley, Tony Longford, Brian Wilson, John Ward and Ron Wilton, meet to restore NRMA’s historic fleet of patrol vehicles ranging from an original 1923 Douglas Motorcycle to a 1980’s patrol vehicle.
Their latest project is to restore the first motorcycle NRMA used, ridden by our first patrol guide, E. A. Povey. The motorcycle (right) is currently a mass of spare parts and we’ll keep you posted on the Ambassadors’ progress in restoring the vehicle.
The group also attends metropolitan and regional motorshows to showcase NRMA vehicles and memorabilia, including a huge range of vintage grille badges. The Ambassadors are also on the lookout for uniforms of past patrolmen and any other NRMA memorabilia. If you have any items that you want to donate, they’d love to hear from you.
If you want to know more about the Ambassadors’ club tours of past vehicles at NRMA’s North Strathfield office (groups only), or would like us to give a history presentation to your club, contact Don Bollard.
For 85 years, NRMA Motoring & Services has strived to make our roads safer. To this end, we have made available $100,000 through our Community Road Safety Grants to fund road safety projects at the grassroots level.
We received over 130 submissions, and will fund 23 road safety projects across NSW and the ACT in 2006/07.
“The community grants program is a great way that NRMA can provide help to and work with local communities on road safety issues identified in their communities,” says John Brown, NRMA Road Safety Expert.
“The grants will support a variety of behavioural programs and solutions developed by local government and community organisations – NGOs – across the State.”
This year’s winners were spread across the State – south to Deniliquin, west to Bourke and north to Tweed Heads. Projects included:
To find out more visit NRMA's Community Road Safety Grants or call 8222 2158.
