They have cut import duty on all cars down th 5% over the past 10 years and aim to be at 0 bu end of decade and for those countries that have a FTA with Australia, to 0% is already in place. All Auto manufacturing in Australia is being phased out by 2018 completely. Ford next year cease all Australian made vehicles, GMH Holden the following year with Toyota also ceasing and Australian manufacture. All new vehicles in Australia after that time will be imported.
Vehicles older than 25 years do not attract import tax and have not done so for over 30 years. With the introduction of GST, importing vehicles, in fact all items sold in Australia other than food, medicines and a few other odd ball things, all attracted the Goods tax of 10%.
Changing times are happening here on vehicles.