Media coverage

The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) would like to make members aware that there are numerous advertisements on Facebook marketplace advertising fraudulent roadworthy certificates to private sellers. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Victoria has once again issued a warning to tyre retailers and mechanics, urging them to ensure that used tyres are disposed of correctly. This follows investigations conducted on a property south of Bendigo, where an illegal stockpile was discovered containing approximately 10,000 waste tyres, with one pile measuring 40 metres wide, 30 metres long, and up to four meters high.

VACC welcomes the recent decision of the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to expand its Vehicle Identity Validation (VIV) Scheme.

The Professional Engineers Registration Act 2019 (the Act) commenced on 1 July 2021. There has been a staggered approach to implementation, with mechanical engineers the final cohort to be mandated. The purpose of this bulletin is to inform members, who may fall under the registration requirements mandated within the Act, of the steps to follow to make application for registration.

 

Please be advised that the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) has issued a notice of update to the License Conditions for Licensed Vehicle Testers (LVTs) that requires your attention by 1 December 2023. Any non-conformances identified with the conditions after 1 December may result in your license being suspended, cancelled or a testing mechanic being prohibited from conducting roadworthy inspections. Please check your junk mail folder if you have not yet received the communication from the Department.

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Automotive Repairers Division will be held on Thursday, 30 November 2023 at 5.30pm.  You can attend in person or via zoom.

Members of the VACC Victorian Automobile Dealers Association, Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA), Motorcycle Industry Division (MID), Commercial Vehicle Industry Association (CVIA) and service and repair businesses that are working under a franchisee-franchisor arrangement were advised of VACC’s national body, the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), submission to the Australian Government’s 2023 Franchising Code Review (the review).

VACC members who operate a business under a franchise arrangement are advised that our national body, the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), has lodged its submission in reply to the Australian Government’s 2023 Franchising Code Review.

On 15 August 2023, the Minister for Small Business, The Hon Julie Collins MP announced a comprehensive review of the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes – Franchising) Regulation 2014 (Cth) (the Code).

VACC has recently received numerous enquiries detailing the difficulty in gaining access to, and purchase of, OEM parts.  These parts have either been extremely difficult to obtain, rejected, or offered for purchase as a complete unit (i.e. complete differential assembly rather than individual internal components such as a bearing unique to the unit and not available from the aftermarket). To ascertain the severity of this issue, I am seeking your assistance.

 

Following VACC communication with the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King MP, whereby industry concerns were raised about inconsistencies of the standards contained within the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification (VSB14) and vehicle regulations provided by the United Nations Economic Commission upon which Australian Design Rules (ADR’s) are based on. I am pleased to inform you that a review of the standards outlined within VSB14 is imminent and will be opened for industry consultation later this year.

 

The fund supports projects that will improve recycling in Victoria by:

• upgrading infrastructure
• upgrading technology
• increasing processing capacity
• increasing the amount of recycled materials being made into new products.

Grants of between $50,000 and $1 million are available, with a total of $8 million to be awarded. 

Please be advised that the Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPAV) is undertaking snap inspections on businesses who are suspected of illegally transporting or storing waste tyres throughout May and June 2023.

You are invited to attend a member briefing on Thursday, 18 May 2023 at Denso,
46 Merrindale Drive, Croydon Vic 3136 at 5.30 - 8.30pm with light refreshments served from 5.30pm.

Please be advised, VicRoads are currently undertaking a review of the Licensed Vehicle Tester (LVT) licensing conditions and have engaged VACC to review and endorse on behalf of the industry. While most of the proposed changes will have no immediate impacts on current LVTs, VACC has raised concerns with the Vehicle Safety and Compliance Department regarding car parking requirements, a longstanding issue often reported to us by our members. Currently, a business making an application must have a minimum of four allocated secure onsite parking spots, and must also be stated on the lease. This condition was added to the licensing conditions in 2015 without proper consultation.

In an Australian automotive first, Infinitev has shifted the industry’s take-make-waste approach to hybrid and electric vehicle batteries, replacing it with a service that ensures end-of-life batteries are reused, repurposed, and recycled as part of a sustainable circular economy.

Please be advised that VicRoads has opened an intake round for applicants wanting to be considered eligible for authorisation as a VASS Signatory. New applications will be accepted until 31 December 2022.

You are invited to attend the 2022 Annual General Meeting of the Automotive Repairers Division (ARD) and Automotive Electrical Division (AED) to be held on Thursday, 24 November at Denso Automotive Systems Australia.  A member's briefing will follow after the AGM with a tour of the Denso facility.

Please be advised that VicRoads are seeking “Expressions of Interest” from suitably equipped businesses to conduct RG240 emissions testing for the purposes of providing results that may be used by VASS Signatories as part of their certification of production vehicles and Individually Constructed Vehicles (ICVs) fitted with engines that have been modified or configured differently from their original standards.

The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) are in the process of developing an information hub aimed at providing ARCtick license holders practical and easy access to information required to perform their jobs.

The introduction of the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair information Sharing Scheme on 1 July 2022 saw the establishment of the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA), a joint industry-led body, appointed by the Government as the Scheme Adviser. AASRA’s core function is to support the day-to-day operation of the Scheme and to facilitate the vetting of individuials seeking to access security or safety-related repair information in accordance with the Scheme Rules.

I wish to advise that Injectronics, a member of VACC’s zero and low emission vehicle committee and whom many of you would be familiar with, are hosting an evening for VACC members to learn more about Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.

Some of you may be interested to know, the Victorian government through Sustainability Victoria recently announced the opening of the Victorian Circular Economy Recycling Modernisation Fund (Round 3). This is aimed at supporting businesses through the national export ban on waste materials such as tyres and increasing the quality of materials for manufacturing purposes.

Members who supply button batteries or products powered by them must now comply with mandatory button battery safety and information standards or face substantial penalties.

The first half of 2022 has seen an increase in tyre retailers and mechanical workshops experiencing significant delays and huge price increases from waste tyre collectors. Many businesses are reporting stockpiling above the legal limits as a result.

Members are advised of two circular economy funding programs released by Sustainability Victoria and the Victorian Government that are aimed at the business, non-profit and research communities.

VACC is excited to advise members that enrolments will commence shortly in accredited Electric Vehicle (EV) training for June 2022 initially based at Chisholm Institute.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recently reiterated that consumers can choose to have their vehicle serviced by the repairer of their choice without voiding a new car warranty, provided the service is completed in accordance with the manufacturer service schedule and specifications, and is performed with due care and skill and genuine or appropriate quality parts are used.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recently reiterated that consumers can choose to have their vehicle serviced by the repairer of their choice without voiding a new car warranty, provided the service is completed in accordance with the manufacturer service schedule and specifications, and is performed with due care and skill and genuine or appropriate quality parts are used.

Over the last few months VACC has received several enquiries from members relating to how to become a Licensed Vehicle Tester (LVT). Due to the pandemic, and the Victorian Government's stay at home orders, VicRoads temporarily placed a hold on new applications.

An important milestone has been reached as we draw closer to the implementation of the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme) Act 2021.

Members were advised in a previous bulletin issued in January 2022 that the Australian Government had released a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) that was aimed at improving the effectiveness of the consumer guarantee and supplier indemnification provisions under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Members were advised in a previous bulletin issued in January 2022 that the Australian Government had released a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) that was aimed at improving the effectiveness of the consumer guarantee and supplier indemnification provisions under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

The Federal Government’s waste tyre export ban of whole tyres including baled tyres came into effect on 1 December 2021 and is regulated by the Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment under the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020.

On 30 September 2021, the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021 (“the 2021 Regulations”), took effect, which has seen the term ‘VASS signatory’ replaced with ‘Authorised Vehicle Inspector’.

If your business receives, stores, or reprocesses any statutory write-off (SWO) vehicles or repairable write-off (RWO) vehicles (also known as industrial waste) then please continue to read below. You must be authorised to do so – that is, your business premises must be a ‘lawful place’.

If your business receives, stores, or reprocesses any statutory write-off (SWO) vehicles or repairable write-off (RWO) vehicles (also known as industrial waste) then please continue to read below. You must be authorised to do so – that is, your business premises must be a ‘lawful place’.

In accordance with the VACC's divisional rules and bylaws, I wish to advise the Automotive Electrical and Automotive Repairers Divisions held their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday,
16 November 2021.

Automotive Repairers Division (ARD) and Automotive Electrical Division (AED) Member Briefing

The Australian Government has published the Recycling and Waste Reduction (Export-Waste Tyres) Rules 2021.

Following an extensive industry stakeholder consultation period, the Australian Government has today published the Competition and Consumer (Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme) Rules 2021 on the Federal Register of Legislation.  You can access the Scheme Rules via the link here or the Act via this link here.

You are invited to attend the 2021 Automotive Repairers Division (ARD) and the Automotive Electrical Division (AED) Annual General meeting on Tuesday, 16 November 2021 at 5.30pm.

Members are invited to attend an exclusive webinar with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications on the new Road Vehicle Standards Act.

• Message from the ARD Executive Committee Chair - Frank Grocl
• Road Safety (Vehicle) Regulations 2021 – VACC response to the RIS
• Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme
• North-East Link Project
• Skills Shortage
• ACCC Exclusive Dealing Ruling
• Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
• Establishment of an Electric Vehicle Sub-Committee
• EPA Small Business Pilot
• ARD Private Facebook Group
• Member Milestones

VACC members are advise that from 1 July, that vehicle recalls will no longer be published by the Australian Competition and Consumers Commission (ACCC).

Please be advised that VACC has finalised and submitted a response to the Draft Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021 and the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) released by the Department of Transport.

PWC Skills for Australia has released the following automotive projects for final validation and is seeking feedback on new vocational education and training for the Automotive Industry Retail, Service and Repair (AUR) training package.

The VACC is strongly supportive of the eRWC system.  We have kept in close contact with its development and rollout to the industry – we believe it’s an efficient, streamlined system with many benefits for Licensed Vehicle Testers. The feedback we have been receiving from our LVT Committee and the industry more broadly has been positive overall.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has handed down its decision to allow Mitsubishi’s conditional 10 year or 200,000 km warranty to stand. The warranty is conditional on the vehicle being serviced only by authorised Mitsubishi Dealers and service centres.

 

The VACC LVT focus group works collaboratively with VicRoads vehicle safety and compliance team to ensure the roadworthy e-Certificate program is fit for purpose.  As a result, there have been many enhancements implemented as well as the identification and removal of software bugs resulting in an industry wide rollout in Victoria.

Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) in collaboration with VACC, is piloting a Small Business Program to support small businesses to prepare for Victoria’s new environment protection laws intended to commence July 2021.

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Automobile Repairers Division (ARD) and Automotive Electrical Division (AED) will be held virtually on 19 November at 5.30pm.  To facilitate the participation of members the VACC has adopted the Zoom platform for this meeting.

Further advice in response to frequently asked question on Automotive Industry reopening
Melbourne will move from “stay home” to “stay safe”, with no more restrictions on the reasons to leave home.

The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) in collaboration with the VACC's ARD, AED and ERRD Executive committees have, for the past 12 months been working on a Small Business Pilot Program.  The program is designed to support small automotive workshop businesses and enable them to be prepared for Victoria’s new general environmental duty (GED) intended to commence July 2021. 

You are advised that the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2009 have been replaced by the Road Safety (Vehicles) Interim Regulations 2020.  The interim regulations commenced on 4, October 2020 and will remain in place for a period of 12 months.

You are advised that the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2009 have been replaced by the Road Safety (Vehicles) Interim Regulations 2020.  The interim regulations commenced on 4, October 2020 and will remain in place for a period of 12 months.

Please be advised, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has lodged an exclusive dealing notification with the ACCC. The notification involves MMAL offering a 10-year or 200,000km (whichever occurs first) warranty to purchasers of new Mitsubishi vehicles on condition that the purchaser exclusively acquires all scheduled services through the authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealer network.

VACC members have been calling to seek advice on the 5km travel restriction zone announced by the Victorian State Government on 2 August 2020.
It is a confusing restriction and one that is difficult to apply to every instance. However, VACC will provide our interpretation for our members.

Please be advised, Standards Australia has now published AS 3564.1.2020 Automotive Repairs - Terminology, Part 1 Automatic Transmission. This standard supersedes AS 3564.1.1988.
 

Following the recent sunsetting of the Road Safety (Vehicle) Regulations 2009, the VACC made several recommendations on behalf of members that are licensed vehicle testers and those belonging to the Victorian Tyre Dealers Division (VTDA).  Ultimately, we held the position that testing standards should be aligned to the relevant Australian Design Rule (ADR).

Victorian Police highway patrol unit has contacted VACC to raise awareness among the automotive repair industry relating to an increase of illegally modified vehicles on Victorian roads.  Repairers may potentially be caught up in a police investigation for breaches of the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2009.

VACC has received calls from distressed members who are now experiencing a sharp downturn in business following an announcement from the Premier regarding Stage 3 restrictions on Monday, 30 March 2020.  The Victorian Premier, The Hon Daniel Andrews MP stated that there were only four reasons to leave your home:

For all the latest information regarding COVID-19 please keep an eye on your inbox as VACC are sending regular member bulletins to keep you abreast of the evolving situation. In addition, I recommend you bookmark or add to your favorites the following websites: 

To say COVID-19 is impacting business would be understating the reality of the world we live in today and most notably well into the future.  At some point we will start to see this crisis through the rear vision mirror however it’s important now more than ever to start thinking and preparing for worst case scenario and what the recovery looks like for you and your business.
 

VACC are receiving many calls from members regarding the outbreak of the Coronavirus and the impact it is having on the community at large as well as the likely flow on impact to VACC member businesses.

The Federal Government has announced a $17.6 billion economic stimulus package in response to the coronavirus pandemic.  As part of this package, a portion has been dedicated to small business tax relief and apprenticeship payments.

Please note the following draft public comment period is due to close in four days - AS3564.1:2019

Please take the time to review the draft standard and ensure it is fit for purpose.

This bulletin examines implications with respect to use of on-board vehicle cameras or dashboard cameras (Dash Cams) by customers of VACC members.  For this purpose, it is relevant to examine surveillance and privacy legislation.

VACC submitted a proposal earlier this year to update AS 3564.1:1988 on behalf of its Automatic Transmission Specialist members.
 

The Victorian Government is hosting a public consultation on the Professional Engineers Registration Act 2019
on Monday, 2 December 2019
5.30pm – 6.30pm
Level 5, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

The Department of the Environment and Energy issued a media release last week after a Victorian mechanic was fined for possessing 26 illegal disposable cylinders of greenhouse gas, HFC 134a.

The Automobile Repairers Division (ARD), recently held its annual general meeting whereby Mr Frank Grocl, Chair of the ARD Executive Committee delivered his 2019 report.

Australian motorists will have genuine choice in who repairs their vehicles now the Australian Government has committed to enshrine in law the mandatory sharing of automotive data between vehicle manufacturers and all automotive repairers.

This is to advise you of the upcoming annual general meeting for the Automobile Repairers Division (ARD).

Members are advised that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recently released a new fact sheet for consumers to better understand their rights when it comes to the purchase of a new car.  This includes servicing their vehicle while under warranty.

I’m often asked by repairers whether its ok to fit parts supplied and requested by a customer.  My response is usually "No, for a number of reasons” however in an ever-changing competitive market, there are some that continue to find value in offering this service.

Automobile Repairers Division Executive Committee strategy meeting report
Saturday, 18 May 2019

VACC has been lobbying hard both publicly and behind the scenes to have the Professional Engineer’s Registration Bill 2019 defeated.
The proposed legislation will affect the cost of doing business for both engineers and businesses who enlist their services.

VACC together with VicRoads Vehicle Safety and Compliance Team are hosting a series of Licensed Vehicle Testers and Technical information nights thanks to our sponsors MTAA Super and OurAuto.  The next sessions will be held in Swan Hill and Mildura commencing at 6pm with light refreshments.

This is to advise you that under the Australian Consumer Law and Fair-Trading Act 2012 section 4.2 – disposal of uncollected goods, where a customer has failed to pay for the work done and collect their vehicle a relevant charge can apply for storage.

VACC together with VicRoads Vehicle Safety and Compliance Team are hosting a series of Licensed Vehicle Testers and Technical information nights thanks to our sponsors MTAA Super and OurAuto.  The next session will be held in Morwell on Thursday, 18 July 2019 commencing at 6pm with light refreshments.

Dear Members,

The VACC and the Approved Vehicles Examiners Group (AVEG) would like to invite you to attend a special event on Thursday 20 June

VACC together with VicRoads Vehicle Safety and Compliance Team are hosting a series of Licensed Vehicle Testers and Technical information nights thanks to our sponsors MTAA Super and OurAuto.  The next session will be held in Hamilton on Thursday, 20 June 2019 commencing at 6pm with light refreshments.

The closure of the VIPAC IM240 test facility last December meant that Victoria no longer has a service provider offering this service for anyone requiring certification for a modified or individually constructed vehicle (ICV).  The only state currently offering this service is NSW.  Earlier this year VACC wrote a submission to VicRoads seeking a resolution on this issue.

VACC together with VicRoads Vehicle Safety and Compliance Team are hosting a series of Licensed Vehicle Testers and Technical information nights thanks to our sponsors MTAA Super and OurAuto. The next session will be held in Hoppers Crossing on Thursday, 23 May 2019 commencing at 6pm with light refreshments.

VACC reminds you that the Competition and Consumer Regulations 2010 (Cth) (regulations) have been amended to require businesses giving a warranty against defects to consumers for the supply of services (or the supply of goods and services together) to include mandatory text in the warranty.  This change comes into effect, on and from
8 June 2019.

VACC encourages its franchisee members to participate in an ACCC Business Stakeholder Survey that will run from April to mid-May 2019.

VicRoads is undertaking a review of the allocation and location of Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme (VASS) signatories.  In order to assist with the review and ensure the voice of industry is heard, VACC would like to gain your views.

 

How to turn your Scan Tool into a profit generator and get paid adequately for ALL your Diagnostic Time.  Special information session by well-known industry consultant Colin Bockman.  Colin Bockman has designed, tested and proven the process as a result of his 30 years industry experience.  He delivers the material to you within real-world day-to-day examples.. Important that business owner and their senior technician register. 

VACC together with VicRoads Vehicle Safety and Compliance Team are hosting a series of Licensed Vehicle Testers and Technical information nights which will be rolled out across the state over the next 12 months. The next two sessions will be held in Broadmeadows on Thursday, 21 March and Airport West on Thursday, 11 April 2019, both commencing at 6.30pm. More dates will be announced shortly.

Criminals are actively targeting mechanical workshops in the Melbourne metro area, advises Victoria Police. Here's how to lessen your chance of being a victim...

You may have seen the Government’s media release on Tuesday, 11 February that commits them to supporting appropriate commercial dealing and competition in the new car retail supply chain for the benefit of both small businesses and consumers. This includes considering the design of a mandatory scheme for access to motor vehicle service and repair information.

The final report of the Hayne royal commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, was released on 4 February 2019. The final report includes 76 recommendations, many of which relate to the operations of the retail automotive industry.

VACC members are advised that the Senate Select Committee Inquiry, (the Inquiry) report into Electric Vehicles was released today.  You can view the report by taking this link.  VACC supports the release of the report and looks forward to ongoing dialogue with the Government in the development of sensible policy regarding Electric Vehicles.  

VACC Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) members are advised of an important change in approach and outcomes from Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV ) with regards to CAV Compliance Inspection visits.

Specialty Vehicles Australia (SVA), is a special interest group within the General Division of the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC).  Essentially, SVA represents vehicle builders, suppliers, enthusiast groups and engineering support businesses in Victoria.  The focus of the group is to advance, promote, protect and support this niche industry in Australia and to preserve the interests of members.

With the Victorian State election behind us, the focus is now on the upcoming Federal election where VACC on behalf of the automotive industry is calling on the Federal Government to commit to serious policy reforms across a range of areas including automotive skills shortages.

 

Those who attended the VACC Industry Awards in 2018 will never forget it.  More than 1,000 people attended the black tie gala event where 41 elite automotive businesses from across Victoria were announced as category winners in the country’s most important automotive industry award program.  The best of the best in the business were honoured in VACC’s 100th year – so will you be one of the best in 2019?

With a Federal election looming, VACC has been busy behind the scenes gathering support from both the government and opposition to commit to a key recommendation emanating from the 2017 ACCC New Car Retailing Market Study on access to vehicle manufacturer repair information.

CVIAV has been notified by VicRoads that VIPAC, the only accredited provider of IM240 emissions testing in Victoria, has ceased conducting emissions testing as of 3 December 2018.

Tuesday, 20 November 2018 at 5.30pm
VACC House

On Monday, 15 October 2018, NHVAS accreditation fees will increase.

VACC together with VicRoads Vehicle Safety and Compliance Team are hosting a series of Licensed Vehicle Testers and Technical information nights which will be rolled out across the state over the next 12 months. Further sessions will be announced in due course.

The ACCC in its 18-month investigation into new car retailing industry found instances of misleading or deceptive conduct, or misrepresentations, in relation to the use of independent repairers or non-OEM spare parts. The VACC and Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) in submissions, roundtables and stakeholder forums provided recommendations for an updated industry guide. The ACCC have now released a new version of the Motor Vehicle Sales and Repairs industry guide to the Australian Consumer Law which includes additional guidance material and clarification on consumer guarantees.

VACC is aware of Compliance and Enforcement Officers from the Department of Fair Trading visiting automotive workshops along the border of NSW and Victoria and issuing penalty notices for unlicensed motor vehicle repairers. Law reforms which commenced back in December 2014 require the following:

VACC together with VicRoads Vehicle Safety and Compliance Team are hosting a series of Licensed Vehicle Testers and Technical information nights which will be rolled out across the state over the next 12 months. Further sessions will be announced in due course.

The next two sessions will be held in Dandenong on Thursday 16 August 2018 and Preston on Thursday 20 September 2018, both commencing at 6pm. In these sessions, we’ll discuss best practices to help testers better understand the requirements for determining the roadworthiness of a vehicle and administrative procedures. VicRoads will also showcase their online e-Roadworthy System currently in trial mode to a select group of industry participants.

VACC in collaboration with VicRoads Vehicle Safety and Compliance Team are planning a series of information nights which will be rolled out across the state over the next 12 months. Further sessions will be announced in due course

There will be a session held in Shepparton on Thursday 19 July 2018, commencing at 6pm. In these sessions, we’ll discuss best practices to help testers better understand the requirements for determining the roadworthiness of a vehicle and administrative procedures. These meetings are open to Light and Heavy vehicle testers and Motorcycle testers and I strongly recommend you attend  this meeting

VACC in collaboration with VicRoads Vehicle Safety and Compliance Team are planning a series of information nights which will be rolled out across the state over the next 12 months. Further sessions will be announced in due course

The next two sessions will be held in Bendigo on Wednesday 18 July and Shepparton on Thursday 19 July 2018, both commencing at 6pm. In these sessions, we’ll discuss best practices to help testers better understand the requirements for determining the roadworthiness of a vehicle and administrative procedures. I strongly recommend you attend these meetings when held in your area.

On behalf of VACC and the Automobile Repairers Division Executive Committee, I would like to congratulate the award winners on their achievement and finalists in their respective categories. For those who attended the Awards and Centenary Gala Dinner at the Palladium at Crown, I trust you enjoyed a fabulous evening filled with celebrations and 100 years of VACC, what a fantastic story!

VACC in collaboration with VicRoads Vehicle Safety and Compliance Team are planning a series of information nights which will be rolled out across the state over the next 12 months. These will be announced in due course.

The first session will be held at VACC, 464 St Kilda Rd on Thursday 14 June 2018 from 6:00pm. In these sessions, we’ll discuss best practices to help testers better understand the requirements for determining the roadworthiness of a vehicle and administrative procedures. I strongly recommend you attend these meetings when held in your area.

VACC in collaboration with VicRoads Vehicle Safety and Registration Team are planning a series of information nights which will be rolled out across the state over the next 12 months. The first session will be held at VACC, 464 St Kilda Rd on Thursday 14 June 2018 from 6:30pm. In these sessions, we’ll discuss best practices to help testers better understand the requirements for determining the roadworthiness of a vehicle and administrative procedures. I strongly recommend you attend these meetings when held in your area.

VACC has received confirmation from VicRoads that it will pilot an online roadworthy certificate from July 2018. The VACC Automobile Repairers Division (ARD) Executive Committee, in conjunction with the Licensed Vehicle Testers, focus group, have been advocating for a real-time electronic roadworthy system for several years and the ARD welcome this latest development. VACC encourages licensed vehicle testers to make a submission to take part in this new initiative.

Your elected Divisional Executive Committees often raise concerns about the lack of TAFE reporting to employers regarding their apprentices. VACC have been working with the relevant training institutions on improving both the standard of training and transparency of apprenticeship reporting back to employers. In 2014, VACC introduced the Workplace Evidence Record in consultation with Auto Skills Australia and pushed for it to become a mandatory tool of employer reporting by TAFE’s. Some institutions have implemented this tool as a communication method while others have implemented their own procedures.

The VACC Industry Awards showcase the fantastic talent within the automotive industry, recognising their hard work and achievements. If ever there was a time to win an award, it's in our centennial year.

In their February newsletter VicRoads has stated that as part of the auditing program, the registration and licensing compliance team, will be increasing its compliance focus on vehicle inspections at VicRoads customer service centers. These spot checks are designed to identify issues relating to an LVT conducting a road worthy on a vehicle. 

Since 2009, vehicle manufacturers in Australia have recalled vehicles fitted with potentially defective airbag produced by the Takata Corporation. The airbags have faulty inflators which may cause the airbag to deploy incorrectly and may cause metal fragments to strike the occupant causing injury or death. There have been 23 reported deaths and 230 injuries worldwide with one death and one serious injury reported in Australia.

Please be advised that today the Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, The Hon. Michael Sukkar MP, issued a compulsory recall for all vehicles fitted with defective Takata airbags. The ACCC advises that there are approximately 2.3 million vehicles in Australia presently equipped with the Affected Takata Airbag Inflators.

Victoria Police has informed VACC of an increase in burglaries and theft of motor vehicles across the whole of Monash police service area. In particular from car dealerships as well as more recently auto mechanic workshops. The offenders are breaking in and ransacking premises until they find the keys of the vehicles and are then stealing the vehicles along with the hard drives from CCTV cameras.

If you are experiencing franchising issues, VACC is here to help with a new online tool for dealer members.

A VACC member business was fined $40,000 with an additional $3,500 related court costs for failure to provide a safe system of work.

Since 2009, vehicle manufacturers in Australia have recalled vehicles fitted with potentially defective airbag inflators produced by the Takata Corporation. The airbags have defective inflators which may cause the airbag to deploy incorrectly, and for metal fragments to strike the occupant causing injury or death. There have been 18 cases worldwide where the occupant of the vehicle was killed by a defective Takata airbag including one in Australia earlier this year.

Since 2009, vehicle manufacturers in Australia have recalled vehicles fitted with potentially defective airbag inflators produced by the Takata Corporation. The airbags have defective inflators which may cause the airbag to deploy incorrectly, and for metal fragments to strike the occupant of the affected seating position, causing injury or death. There have been 18 cases worldwide where the occupant of the vehicle was killed by a defective Takata airbag including one in Australia earlier this year.

Recently the legislated amendments to the Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004 (Victoria) (OHS Act) were introduced under the WorkSafe Legislation Amendment Act 2017. 

In the last few weeks VACC has received several calls from members who are not non-authorised repairers relating to restricted access to theft relevant parts from Mercedes Benz authorised parts suppliers. In 2016 Mercedes Benz Australia released a nationwide policy that restricted authorised dealers to sell theft relevant parts to the aftermarket. In response to member feedback, VACC successfully lobbied Mercedes Benz Australia late last year to reverse their policy. 

EPA Victoria recently announced that it is looking to conduct a pilot program working with other sites using underground fuel tanks, such as airports, marinas, depots and dealerships. VACC urges any members with underground petroleum storage systems to scope compliance using the EPA self-assessment checklist and contact the VACC OHSE Unit for assistance. 
 

The tragic events of the past few weeks are a timely reminder for all repairers to be vigilant during the servicing and repair of vehicles affected by the Takata airbag recall. Globally, there have been reported cases of airbags being deployed while not in motion or caused by a collision. One man was killed, during a repair unrelated to the airbag system, by possibly leaving the ignition in the ON position causing the airbag to deploy.

The Victorian Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013 (WIRC) provides for the indexation of weekly payments, weekly pensions for dependants and certain other amounts stipulated under that Act on 1 July each year.

If you’re a Licensed Vehicle Tester (LVT) accredited before 1 April 2013, you’ll need to update your skills and knowledge by completing a one-day refresher course by 30 November 2017.

In recent months VACC received numerous calls regarding changes to the parts ordering policy from Mercedes-Benz Australia, which banned the sale and fitment of all theft related parts to non-authorised service centres and independent businesses. The reasons for the change in policy were due to security and in turn protection of Mercedes-Benz vehicle owners. 

An apprentice technician was conducting a service on a vehicle that was located on the ground, parked in a hoist bay. When the apprentice started the vehicle, he unknowingly bumped the gear lever into drive.  The technician then revved the vehicle and the vehicle moved forward quickly.  At the time of the vehicle moving forward unintentionally, another apprentice technician was reviewing a repair order at the workbench in front of the uncontrolled vehicle.  The apprentice was struck by the vehicle and pinned against the workbench. 

Victorian Police are investigating a hit run motor vehicle collision that occurred on 08/04/2017 at approximately 11:00 pm on Anderson Road, Albion.

Over the last year there have been three incidents where trade Utes have fallen off vehicle hoists.  With this style of vehicle being heavier, longer and fitted with heavy metal tool boxes containing plant and tools, the risk of falling from the hoist has increased.