The humble car is being whacked with more taxes and Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonhjelm says it could be putting lives at risk.

A 5% tariff has now been slapped on imported cars from countries Australia doesn’t have a free-trade agreement with.

Even the beloved Holden isn’t exempt, as they’re now being made overseas.

Senator Leyonhjelm tells Alan Jones Aussie motorists are “basically just an ATM” for the government and it could cost lives.

“If cars are too expensive then people will put off buying a new one.

“To bring that down to a crude level, that costs lives. Modern cars are safer.”

Senator Leyonhjelm also took aim at Australia’s “nuclear phobia”, saying times have changed and we’re being left behind.

“You just have to say the word nuclear and people wet their pants. It’s really quite bizarre.”

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