The announcement, delivered by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, builds upon the successful framework established by the 2021 Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Law.
The reform package represents a shift in Australia's approach to repair rights, aiming to create a more competitive and accessible marketplace for consumers while addressing long-standing industry concerns about repair restrictions. The initiative is projected to generate $400 million in annual productivity gains through reduced repair wait times, lower costs, and increased market competition.
The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC), has been actively involved in shaping these reforms through the consultation process. VACC submitted a comprehensive submission paper, drawing on its members' extensive experience with the existing automotive R2R legislation. VACC's submission emphasised the positive impact of the current automotive repair information sharing law and advocated for similar frameworks across other industries to ensure fair competition and consumer choice.
The expansion of R2R legislation is expected to particularly benefit regional and rural communities, where access to authorised repair facilities can be limited and costly. The reforms aim to create a more equitable repair landscape, ensuring that independent repairers across all sectors have access to the necessary technical information, diagnostic tools, and parts needed to offer competitive repair services.
The program's scope extends beyond the automotive sector, encompassing household appliances, medical devices, and agricultural machinery. This broader application aims to address repair restrictions that have historically limited consumer choice and increased costs across various industries. Treasurer Chalmers made the po int that the reforms would play a key role in the government's larger strategy to drive national productivity through improved repair access and market competition.
The implementation timeline includes a meeting scheduled for November 29, where federal and state treasurers will convene to discuss the practical aspects of these reforms. The agenda includes discussions on adopting trusted international product safety standards alongside the R2R initiatives.