Fully Charged: Change coming

30 September 2022

I’m willing to bet you’re a motorist. 

You are reading the Motoring section, after all. And as a motorist, chances are you’ve fronted up to VicRoads at some point. 

Do you have fond memories? 

If not, you’re not alone. Motorists and automotive business owners – licensed motor car traders (LMCTs) in particular – sometimes have a hard time with VicRoads. 

But change is coming. 

There’s a state election looming and VACC is calling on the next Victorian Government to mandate ongoing consultation between VicRoads and industry in the pursuit of effective regulation and red-tape reduction.

For example, considering the privatisation of VicRoads’ registration and licensing operations, the time is right to appoint LMCTs as ‘agents’ of the state under their licensing agreements. 

LMCTs complete vehicle inspections on behalf of VicRoads, which charges the vehicle owner $37.50 for each inspection. And, despite having conducted the inspection, collected the fee and updated the online portal, the LMCT does not receive any portion of the fee. 

Oh yeah – and when they make payments electronically, they are charged a merchant fee.

Sound fair?

The VicRoads modernisation initiative will undoubtedly benefit from the work of the LMCT network. So, LMCTs should be adequately compensated for the work they perform. In promoting commercial fairness, I reckon an agency agreement should be entered into (similar to the agreement between VicRoads and Australia Post) whereby LMCT costs and merchant fees are reimbursed.

This election, let’s vote for the best regulatory outcomes for businesses – as well as motorists.

Why not?

Read Fully Charged.

Words: VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym. As featured in the Herald Sun on 30 September 2022.