The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) is calling on the government to officially recognise that the automotive industry delivers essential services to the community and should, therefore, be classified as essential.
All state peak bodies and the national industry body, the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) are in agreement that: The sale, service, repair, and supply of parts for heavy, commercial, light vehicles including motorcycles and farm and industrial machinery are vital if other essential services are to operate efficiently, effectively and as required during a time of disaster, crisis, or event where essential services are described and proclaimed by the Commonwealth, State or Territory Governments.
Without the automotive supply chain services, other deemed essential services cannot be assured, including:
- production, supply or distribution of any form of energy, power or fuel; or of energy, power or fuel resources
- public transportation of persons or the transportation of freight (including the provision of rail infrastructure for those purposes)
- provision of fire-fighting services
- provision of public health services (including hospital or medical services)
- provision of ambulance services
- production, supply or distribution of pharmaceutical products
- provision of garbage, sanitary cleaning or sewerage services
- other transport and mobility-related services such as food delivery and distribution services.
VACC and MTAA regard the automotive supply chain as essential services as defined by Part 1, Section 4, Clause 1, (l) -Essential Services Act 1988 (NSW); Section 3, Clause (a), (b) and (g) -Essential Services Act 1958 (Victoria); Section 2, Interpretation - Essential Services Act 1981 (SA) and companion legislation where it exists in other jurisdictions.