Media coverage

VACC member Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCTs) have experienced an upsurge of vehicles that have been stolen from dealerships.

Members of VACC’s Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) Divisions are advised that from May 2024 digital drivers licenses will be rolled out across Victoria. This follows what VicRoads advises to be a successful trial in Ballarat. You can view more about digital driver licenses by taking this link.

Members of VACC’s Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA) are advised that VACC’s Industry Policy Advisor Mick McKenna has today been appointed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) as the Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association of Australia (FIMDAA) delegate on the ACCC’s Agriculture Consultative Committee (AgCC).

 

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are advised that the Australian Government has today released its draft legislation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). 
You can view The Hon Catherine King MP and The Hon Chris Bowen’s joint statement 'A New Vehicle Efficiency Standard tailored for Australia’ by taking the highlighted link.
 

The Australian Government will today release its draft legislation with regards to the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).
The impact for members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) will be massive.

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are provided with the following update on the lobbying activities undertaken by Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) CEO Matt Hobbs with regards to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES). The update provided in this communication is further to the three MTAA – VADA online seminar updates provided to VADA members, one of which was co-hosted by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA).

 

Members were advised on the 4^th of February 2023, that the Australian Government released a consultation paper on a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES): ‘Cleaner, Cheaper to Run Cars: The Australian New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Cleaner, Cheaper to Run Cars: The Australian New Vehicle Efficiency Standard’.

 

VACC members have previously been advised that the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) runs the National Anti-Scam Centre (the Anti-Scam Centre) which was established in July last year to make Australia a harder target for scammers. The Anti-Scam Centre does this by facilitating cooperation and collaboration across industry and government.

Victorian Automobile Dealer Association (VADA) members are invited to attend a joint Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) and Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) exclusive briefing on the Australian Government’s proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).

In August 2023 members of the VACC Victorian Automobile Dealers Association, Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA), Motorcycle Industry Division (MID), and Commercial Vehicle Industry Association (CVIA) that are working under a franchisee-franchisor arrangement were advised of the Australian Government‘s  comprehensive review of the Franchising Code of Conduct (the Code).

A specially convened TEAMS meeting of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) will take place on Thursday, 8 February from 3.30pm- 4.30pm for VADA members to be updated and express any issues they may have with the NVES. The VADA meeting will be chaired by VADA Chair Sid Cetindag, VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym and VACC Lead Policy Dr Imogen Reid.

 

VACC has received notification from the Business Licensing Authority (BLA) and Secretariat of the Motor Car Traders Claims Committee (the committee) that the Victorian Government has begun an open recruitment campaign to make industry appointments to the Motor Car Traders Claims Committee.

 

VACC Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) members who have retailed vehicles classified as a Zero and Low Emission Vehicles (ZLEV) would be aware that a Road User Charge (RUC) was introduced from 1 July 2021.

VACC has been alerted by the National Anti-Scam Centre, an operation of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), of a rise in business email compromise scams targeting customers of car dealerships and used car traders. ACCC advised that intelligence reports indicate that the scam may be spreading to caravan dealerships also.

Members of VACC’s Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCT) divisions were previously advised that the new version VACC Agreements of Sale for New and Used Motor cars would be ready to pre-order from 2 November 2023.

Over the past few years much has happened within the automotive retail franchising sector that has impacted the relationship between the franchisor (i.e., the manufacturer/distributor/importer) and franchisee (i.e., dealer/agent).
It is observed that the dealer-manufacturer relationship is often one-sided and does not take into account the best interests of the franchisee, the franchisee customer and at times the franchisee’s local community.

Members have previously been advised of changes to the law regarding the use, proposal or reliance of unfair contract terms (UCT) in standard form contracts. From 9 November 2023, UCTs will be illegal.

VACC has completed a detailed report to dispel the myth the LMCTs are clogging up VCAT, to highlight the dominance of the private-to-private market in Victoria and refute the call for an industry-funded lemon law ombudsman.

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.

Over recent months, there has been an increased level of VACC Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCT) member queries regarding how a LMCT should treat an ‘off-trade-premises’ negotiation with a consumer, and the process for delivering a demonstrator vehicle to a consumer’s residence or workplace for the purpose of a test drive. There are many intricacies that are involved for the consumer, LMCT and staff by participating in such a trade.

Please see an important bulletin from the Victorian Automobile Dealer Association (VADA) ‘Parts and Service Group’ (PSG).  The PSG is a sub-committee of VADA and feeds policy regarding the service and supply of parts from Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCT) dealership service departments to the VADA Executive Committee.

 

Over the past two years, the supply chain of new vehicles to dealers from overseas based manufacturers was severely disrupted. In that post pandemic period and long after, VACC received many calls from new car, motorcycle, farm machinery and commercial vehicle franchise dealers who were experiencing a marked increase in the number of individuals purchasing new vehicles from franchise dealers with the sole intention of on-selling these vehicles at inflated prices.

 

Yesterday, in the Federal Court of Australia (FCA), The Hon Justice Beach handed down his judgment in the FCA case AHG WA (2015) Pty Ltd v Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 1022. The dealer’s case was dismissed.

 

Members of VACC’s Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCT) divisions have previously been advised of action taken by VACC with regards to the administrative challenges faced by LMCTs when dealing with Fines Victoria and Victoria Police (VicPol) when in receipt of an Infringement Notice (Traffic Offence, Parking and/or Toll).

Members are advised of the release of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) publication Luxury car tax: how to determine the principal purpose of a vehicle (LCTD 2023/1).

 

Over the past few months VACC Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) members have experienced instances where the Victorian Sheriff’s Office has attended their dealership with an order to collect fees or start seizing property for unpaid infringements, usually connected with traffic, parking and toll infringements.

 

Members were advised in March 2023 that Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) was expanding myCAV, its online licensing and registration system, to include the motor car traders licensing scheme.

Members are advised of recent action taken by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) against recreational motorbike importer and distributor, Hornet Industries Pty Ltd.

The Victorian State Revenue Office (SRO) has advised VACC that Information about calculating the dutiable value of new and used motor vehicles sold as a drive away deal from 1 July 2023 is now available on the SRO website, Publication D01-23. You can click here to view this information.

Members of VACC’s Licensed Motor Car Trader Division (LMCT) are advised of the following increase to the Victorian Road User Charge (RUC) that will apply to Zero and Low Emission vehicles (ZLEV).

Over the past 12 months VACC has communicated with many LMCT members who have been victim to acquiring a motor vehicle from a member of the public that has had its odometer tampered with (wound back). The issue is exacerbated for LMCTs when they have on-sold the vehicle.

Members are advised that the Victorian State Government has informed VACC today that the Victorian Government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) subsidy will close on 30 June 2023.

Members are advised that this morning VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym, joined an important meeting of the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), the Truck Industry Council (TIC), The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and other state Motor Trades Associations (MTAs) to discuss with Federal Treasury some of the challenges with vehicles arriving after the Australian Government Temporary Full Expensing of Depreciating Assets program ends on 30 June 2023.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has advised that the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for application of LCT will rise from the 2022-2023 financial year threshold of $71,849 to an indexed threshold figure of $76,950 for financial year 2023-2024.

 

Members are advised of specific guidance to dealers who are adding a road vehicle manufactured and/or imported vehicle under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (Cth) (MVSA) to the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV).

 

Over recent months VACC has communicated with many LMCT members who have been victim to acquiring a motor vehicle from a member of the public or other entity that has had its odometer tampered with (i.e., wound back).

Recent activity by both the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has shown that greenwashing remains a significant regulatory and enforcement priority for both watchdogs.

Members were advised in mid-January 2023 of a new feature that would be added to the search result when conducting a Vehicle Indentification Number (VIN) search on the Personal Property Security Register (PPSR).  That new feature would allow for a person who conducted a PPSR search to also be informed if that vehicle had an outstanding manufacturer recall.

Members of VACC’s Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) Divisions are advised that Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) is expanding myCAV, its online licensing and registration system, to include the motor car traders licensing scheme.

Members of the VACC Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Victoria (CVIAV) have expressed  serious and on-going concerns to VACC regarding the implementation of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA) and Road Vehicle Regulator (ROVER) IT system, which underpins the certification and approval of vehicles for the Australian market.

On 25 November 2022, the Commonwealth Government passed legislation that provides a Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for zero and low emissions vehicles (ZLEV).  The FBT exemption became effective on 1 July 2022.

On 19 January 2023, LMCT members were advised via a VACC bulletin of a series of thefts and frauds being carried out against LMCTs.  Those incidents have resulted in stolen vehicles, large scale credit card fraud, dealership damage and a raft of outer resources consumed by dealers in locating and or trying to retrieve the vehicle.  Those incidents have occurred in metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Over the past 8 weeks VACC LMCT members have suffered as a result of various vehicle thefts and frauds that have caused severe financial hardship for their business and stress for business owners and their staff.  Some incidents have been unpreventable, but most concerning is that some have been preventable and have resulted due to a breakdown or absence of process or a laissez-faire attitude by dealership staff.

For some time, Victorian LMCTs have sporadically used or ignored their legislative right to enforce the cooling-off provisions as announced in the Motor Car Traders Act 1986 (Vic).

 

VACC Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) members are reminded that Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) Compliance and Enforcement Officers remain active for the entire year and can attend your dealership with or without advance warning.

All VACC Member LMCTs are urged heed the advice provided by Victoria Police with regards to a Person of Interest in relation to the series of Theft of Motor Vehicles from Dealerships throughout Southern Metro area over the past week.
 

Over the past 3 years we have seen an upsurge in participants on the retail sector who have voluntarily committed themselves to reaching or reducing net zero emissions by a certain target date.


 

Members of the VACC Motorcycle Industry Division (MID) and Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA) are advised that a recent Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) nationwide surveillance program conducted from October 2021 found that 94 percent of new quad bikes assessed by Australia’s consumer law regulators were found to be compliant with the national safety standard that has been in force since October last year. 

With the Victorian State Election taking place on Saturday, 26 November, now is an opportune time to remind those who seek to be elected to the Victorian Parliament, of the contribution made by Victorian Franchise Dealers and LMCTs to their local community.

As many of you would know, on 25 August 2022 VADA and the kindred member states of the MTAA surveyed its dealer members to ascertain the national extent of the issue of ‘unworkable leads’ from all Australian on-line classifieds’ suppliers.

Operators who transport grain in Victoria should be aware of new changes to be introduced to the Victoria Class 3 Grain Harvest Management Scheme Mass Exemption Notice 2017 (No. 1) when they are renewed this month.

 

The inaugural meeting of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) Parts and Service Managers Group (PSG) discussed issues relating to consumer and dealer facing issues relating to dashboard cameras and other recording devices that remain activated when a consumer car is being serviced, repaired or driven by relevant dealership staff. The PSG has requested VACC revisit advice provided to members in 2015 for VACC for dissemination amongst its VADA service department members.  The bulletin below usurps that original 2015 advice.

 

Members of the VACC Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA) are advised that a revised version of the  VACC supplied ‘ Farm /Industrial Machinery – Sales Contract’ is now available for purchase from VACC autoistore.com.au.

As many members are acutely aware, the Australian Government’s Instant Asset Write Off (IAWO) initiative is coming to its conclusion on 30 June 2023.  A key criterion of eligibility for claiming the full expensing of the IAWO is that any eligible asset (or in our case vehicles) must be fully installed or ready for use by the purchaser before 30 June 30, 2023.

Members are advised of an Extraordinary Meeting held 21 August 2022 of the carsales.com.au-VACC Dealer Advisory Board (DAB).

The State Revenue Office (SRO) has advised VACC that Information about calculating the dutiable value of new and used motor vehicles sold as a drive away deal from 1 July 2022 is now available on the SRO website, Publication D01-22. You can click here to view this information.

VACC has been in communication with members over the past week with regards to how the new Button/Coin Battery Standard (the Standard) is to be applied to used motor vehicles.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has advised that the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for application of LCT will rise from the 2021-22 financial year threshold of $69,152 to an indexed threshold figure of $71,849 for financial year 2022-23.

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.

As part of VACC’s lobbying pursuits for the upcoming 2022 Victorian State Election, VACC will be asking the next Victorian State Government to create a scheme that will result in Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCTs) being compensated for their work in registering and inspecting motor vehicles as well as collecting motor vehicle duty, and other fees, on behalf of the government.

Over the past two years members of the VACC Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA) and VACC Motorcycle Industry Division (MID) have been kept abreast of lobbying activities undertaken by VACC in pursuit of better business outcomes and sustainable growth for these vital industry sectors.

Over the past two weeks there has been a media attention with regards to Dealer Delivery Fees (DDF) and what media outlets are stating are excessive DDF being charged by the dealer. Those media claims were supported by consumers alleging what they consider to be excessive DDF. The issue is now likely to be referred to the ACCC.

The Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Australia and the Commercial Vehicle Industry of Victoria (a VACC division) are seeking feedback on your experiences with the platform ROVER (Road Vehicle Regulator), the online administration system for the Road Vehicle Standards Act (2018) (RVSA).

Yesterday, Thursday 31 March 2022, the Road Vehicle Standards (consequential and transitional provisions) Amendment Bill 2022 (the Bill), was passed by the Upper House.

Following a recent meeting of the Victorian Automobile Dealer Association (VADA) Executive Committee it was agreed that VADA members should know how the shift from a new motor vehicle dealership model from predominantly internal combustion engines (ICE) to a Zero Light Emission Vehicles (ZLEV) dealership model would be made.

Members are advised of the formation of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) Service Managers Group.

On 24 February 2022, the Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Kevin Hogan MP, signed two new Australian Design Rules (ADRs).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released Draft Luxury Car Tax (LCT) Determination LCTD 2022/D1.

Over the past 12 months the Victorian franchise dealer network has been the key stakeholder in the delivery of Zero Low Emissions Vehicles (ZLEV) to Victorian consumers.

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).

Members are reminded that from 11 October 2021 a new or second hand imported quad bike sold in Australia must meet the requirements of the Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard 2019 (Cth) (mandatory Quad Bike Safety Standard)

 

Members of the VACC Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA) and the VACC Motorcycle Industry Division (MID) are advised of a recently released Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) guideline Agriculture machinery-Pre-purchase checklist.

Members of the VACC Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA) and the VACC Motorcycle Industry Division (MID) are advised of a recently released Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) guideline Agriculture machinery-Pre-purchase checklist.

Many members call VACC seeking advice with regards to whether they should enter into a franchise agreement and what preliminary investigations they should commence to ascertain whether they are a ‘good fit’ for each other in the franchisee-franchisor role.

Members are advised that the Australian Government (‘the Government’) has introduced a regime requiring directors of Australian companies to hold a unique Director Identification Number (DIN).

Members of VACC’s LMCT divisions are provided with an update on outcomes emanating from recent VADA/carsales.com.au Dealer Advisory Board (DAB) meetings.

During the COVID pandemic it has become increasingly common for contracts for the sale and purchase of motor vehicles to be executed electronically (or remotely).  VACC has sought guidance from HWL Ebsworth, with regards to how those contracts of sale of motor vehicles should be executed

Members are advised that from 11 October 2021 a new or second hand imported quad bike sold in Australia must meet the requirements of the Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard 2019 (Cth) (mandatory Quad Bike Safety Standard).

Over the past 7 days VACC has received  an increase in communications from dealer members with regards to what condition Victorian dealerships may be permitted to open under the provisions advised in Victoria's  Roadmap: Delivering the National Plan that was rolled out by Premier Andrews on 19 September 2021.

In early August 2021, the Australian Government (the Treasury) released the discussion paper ‘Automotive Franchising: Discussion Paper’ (the paper).  The paper is intended to build upon the reforms achieved in the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Franchising) Amendment (New Vehicle Dealership Agreements) Regulations 2020 Part 5 and Part 6 (the Code) that became active on July 1, 2021.

The Victorian Border Crossing Permit Directions (No 29) came into force at 11:59pm 26 August 2021 and end at 11:59pm on 23 September 2021.

Over the recent Lockdown 6 period VACC has gone to great lengths to ensure that as much of retail automotive can continue to trade in some capacity.  Of note members should remain cognisant that the Victorian Government website announces that there are currently 24 automotive retail related Tier 1 or Tier 2 COVID-19 exposure sites.  In addition to this, there are confirmed instances of dealers being subject to on the spot fines for allowing test drives to take place. The focus is upon this sector is to get things right.

VACC has been approached by a number of dealer members seeking advice on the issue of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace.  Given the significance and complexity of the issue, VACC will host a webinar for dealers on COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace, on Monday 30 August 2021 at 3pm.

VACC welcomes today’s announcement by the Australian Government that advises of the release of a discussion paper aimed at ascertaining the merits of the introduction of a standalone Automotive Franchising Code of Conduct (‘the Code’). The discussion paper also seeks to identify options for mandatory binding arbitration, and how best those options could be implemented.

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.

The State Revenue Office (SRO) has advised VACC that Information about calculating the dutiable value of new and used motor vehicles sold as a drive away deal from 1 July 2021 is now available on the SRO website, Publication D01-21.  You can click here to view this information. 

Members of the VACC‘s Motorcycle Industry Division (MID), Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Victoria (CVIA), Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA), VACC, and its national body the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) held a combined extraordinary meeting on 24 June 2021.  The purpose of the extraordinary meeting was to discuss the acceleration of inclusion of motorcycle, commercial vehicle, and farm machinery dealers in new car retailing franchising code reforms.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has advised that the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for application of LCT will rise from the 2020-21 threshold of $68,740 to an indexed threshold figure of $69,152 for 2021-22.

Please be advised that there is to be a change to the process for registering new vehicles from 1 July 2021.  Upcoming Commonwealth legislative changes will require vehicle dealers to make a change to the way they register new road vehicles.

Members of the VACC Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealer Association (FIMDA) and Motorcycle Industry Division (MID) are advised that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has completed its Agricultural Machinery Market Study and has today released its findings.

Members of the VACC Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealer Association (FIMDA) and Motorcycle Industry Division (MID) are advised that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has completed its Agricultural Machinery Market Study and has today released its findings.

This is not legal advice.
In a timely reminder for Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCTs), many of whom are currently enjoying favourable trading conditions, you  will find in this link a notice issued by the ACCC advises of the importance of dealing accurately with customer disputes under the provisions of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Members of VACC’s Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) divisions have sought direction on the process involved when seeking a refund from the Victorian State Revenue Office (SRO) when an amount of motor vehicle duty paid has been incorrectly paid or applied.  VACC has, through a series of meetings and communications, worked with SRO to assist LMCTs become aware of the refund process.

The DAB was formed as a joint initiative between carsales.com.au and VACC with a purpose of reviewing the rules, service element and functionality of the carsales.com.au platform.

A combined Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA) and Motorcycle Industry Division (MID) meeting will be held on Thursday, 11 March 2021 at 6pm via Zoom.

VACC surveyed members in July 2020 to identify on how the COVID-19 pandemic had created supply issues for its Franchise Dealer members.  Those results were quite concerning and reflected that much stock was being diverted away from Victorian dealers and that delays for consumer delivery were ranging from 2-6 months.

The Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) has received calls from VADA members regarding the impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions on automotive businesses Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) obligations and requirements.

Members of the VACC Motorcycle Industry Division (MID) and VACC Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA) are provided with the most current list (October 2020) of motorcycles and scooters that are classified under the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS).

Thank you to all members who provided feedback to yesterday’s bulletin regarding the carsales.com.au new national fee regime and the formation of the inaugural carsales-VADA Dealer Advisory Board (DAB). 

Members of VACC’s Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA), Used Car Traders Division (UCTD), Motorcycle Industry Division (MID) and Commercial Vehicle Industry Association (CVIA) have, over recent weeks, experienced a heightened level of concern and frustration at an announcement made by carsales.com.au on 4 December.

You are invited to attend the 2020 Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA) Annual General meeting on Wednesday, 9 December 2020 at 5pm.

The VACC Commercial Vehicle Industry Association (CVIAV) and its national body the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Australia (CVIAA) have collaborated to enter the following submission for consideration by the National Transport Commission (NTC) relating to the National Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) review.

The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) on Tuesday welcomed the State Government’s announcement that under the Third Step, and from 11:59pm on Tuesday, Melbourne will move from “stay home” to “stay safe”, with no more restrictions on the reasons to leave home.

VACC Licensed Motor Car Traders ( LMCTs) members are urged to show caution when selling vehicles to persons who are citing stolen credit cards on-line, and unseen to the LMCT on a click and collect basis.

Membrs are advised of a VACC – VADA document COVID-19 : Protective Plan and implementation.  Automotive retail franchise sector industry guidance and best practice that has been sent to the Victorian Government in pursuit of having automotive franchise dealerships permitted to open during the current Stage 4 Restrictions.

VACC's Motorcycle Industry Division (MID) and Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA) members have previously been advised that in October 2019, the Australian Federal Government accepted the ACCC’s recommendation to introduce a new mandatory safety standard for quad bikes.

Members of the VACC Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA) and Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Victoria (CVIAV) are advised that the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2009 will be replaced by the Road Safety (Vehicles) Interim Regulations 2020, which will take effect from 4 October 2020.

VACC has requested a sensible, partial and very managed opening process to be granted well before October 26 or other landmark date.  This is an opening process that includes new and used car, commercial vehicle, motorcycle, tyre, car rental and farm machinery dealerships.

The VACC and its national body, the Motor Trades Association of Australia, welcome today’s announcement by the Federal Government to introduce reforms that will free up credit lending criteria.

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.

At an extraordinary VADA meeting held on 24 July, MTAA CEO, Richard Dudley advised that he would be meeting with the Commonwealth Treasury Department (the Department) on 27 July to provide a briefing on the state of the Victorian market.

 

Members received confirmation that the JobKeeper Payment, in its original form, will run up until the previously announced 27 September 23.59 hrs.
What is new with JobKeeper?

Members received confirmation that the JobKeeper Payment, in its original form, will run up until the previously announced 27 September 23.59 hrs.

The State Revenue Office (SRO) has advised VACC that Information about calculating the dutiable value of new and used motor vehicles sold as a drive away deal from 1 July 2020 is now available on the SRO website, Publication D01-20.  You can click here to view this information. 

The Australian Taxation Office has advised that the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold for application of LCT will rise from the 2019-20 threshold of $67,525 to an indexed threshold figure of $68,740 for 2020-21.

Members of the VACC Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA) were advised that on
28 February 2020 the ACCC had released a discussion paper called Agricultural machinery: After-sales markets.
 

Members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) are advised of VADA paper written in collaboration with Steve Edmonds from ShineWing Australia titled ‘The Road to Recovery.  A roadmap for the COVID-19 recovery of Victorian automobile dealerships’.  Click HERE to read.

As a result of ongoing dialogue between VACC and the Victorian Government I can advise that the SRO has published temporary rules (see below) that will apply for LMCT's that have been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19).

This is the second of two VACC submissions dealing with threshold criteria and staff level criteria that is working against 70% of the Victorian Dealer cohort.  The first submission was forwarded to you on Monday and dealt with VACC's approach to the seeking relief for dealers via the Federal Government COVID-19 Stimulus packages.  You will now find attached the VACC submission to the Victorian Government 'The case for exemptions from the threshold and staff criteria in the Victorian Govt COVID-19 relief packages for automotive dealer franchises and LMCTS'.

Please see attached a VACC and Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) submission to the Australian Government ‘The case for exemptions from threshold and staff criteria in Federal Government COVID-19 relief packages for automotive dealer franchises’.   The paper was written at the request of members of the VADA Executive Committee.

VACC is receiving many calls from dealers 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.

Members of the VACC Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA) and VACC Motorcycle Industry Division (MID) were advised on 29 February 2020 that the ACCC had released a discussion paper called Agricultural machinery: After-sales markets.

FIMDA and MID members were advised that VACC will be heavily invested on this discussion and will be representing the interests of its 220 Victorian FIMDA and 300 MID Members.

Members of the VACC Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association are advised that today the ACCC has released  a discussion paper called Agricultural machinery: After-sales markets.

This is the most significant movement on an issue VACC & MTAA and members have been advocating for since before the creation of the franchising code of conduct and welcomed although it may not necessarily address every concern of new car retailing.

 

Members of the VACC Farm and Industrial Machinery Association (FIMDA) and Motorcycle Industry Division (MID) are advised that from 1 July 2020 Australia has new emissions standards for outdoor power equipment and marine engines.

VACC members are advised of the release of today reissued versions of the State Revenue Office (SRO) Revenue Rulings that govern how Licensed Motor Car Traders will use the exemption from motor vehicle duty as dictated by Section 9 of the Victorian Duties Act 2000.

 

This bulletin has been devised for members of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) in response to ongoing consumer issue with regards to the activation and use of dashcams or other recording devices.  VADA thanks the VACC IR Department for provision of this bulletin.

VADA members are encouraged to seek the views of their franchisor or own legal team before implementing any new policy within the dealership or dealership workshop. 

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.

Members of VACC’s Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA) are advised that the FIMDA Policy Advisor , Michael McKenna has been appointed to represent the retail automotive industry on the VicRoads convened Rural Reference Group (RRG).
 

Please see an open letter published in today’s Australian Financial Review from VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym to Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg regarding the state of the current new car, motorcycle, commercial vehicle and farm machinery market and the impact of over regulation on a market already in distress.

Members are advised that VACC, in conjunction with the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), Australia’s largest association representing the country’s $310 billion retail industry sector, is calling on the Australian Government to consult with industry before implementing any recommendations contained in the final report (the report) of the Hayne Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry.

Members are advised of a communication from the ACCC and the Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Michael Sukkar, regarding an Australian Federal Government decision to introduce a new safety standard that it believes will improve the safety of quad bikes.

Members are advised that the State Revenue Office (SRO) SRO has advised VACC of the position of dealers charging to refuel a Service Demonstrator Vehicle (SDV), advising a consumer to return SDV full of fuel or to same level and allocation of Toll and Infringements.  It is a mixed response.

Members are advised that in a watershed moment, MTAA CEO Richard Dudley, in collaboration with Michael McKenna and Steve Blestos from VACC, met with the Australian Government’s Franchising Taskforce as part of the Task Force’s examination of the recommendations of the Fairness in Franchising report.  The report was handed down by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services.

Members are reminded that the recent Victorian Budget, handed down on 27 May 219 introduced new rates of motor vehicle duty and a new exemption for service demonstrator vehicles.

This event will provide members the opportunity:

• to meet other divisional members;
• contribute to the policy work being undertaken by your respective divisions and your industry association;
• to tell VACC what regional Victoria needs VACC to do.

VACC has received a number of calls from LMCT members with regards to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) Inspectors advising LMCTs that the VACC generated window display ‘Form 4’ with version dates of September 2018, April 2019 or May 2019 not being valid and that LMCTs must use the CAV version Form 4.

After meeting with VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym and a delegation of VADA Members with Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas on Tuesday, 25 June 2019, VACC has been informed by the Treasurer's Office that an exemption from the new super- luxury duty rates of duty as announced in the Victorian State Budget on 27 May 2019 has been granted for any vehicle ordered by a consumer on or before the 27 May that will be delivered and registered after 30 June 2019.

Members are advised that VACC met with the Victorian Treasurers Senior Advisor to discuss industry concern regarding the Super Luxury Duty announced in the Victorian State Budget on 27 May 2019.

The Victorian State Budget for 2019/20 was released at 1pm Monday, 27 May 2019. The Budget contains key measures that will affect some VACC members and the general business community.

Members had been advised that the Victorian State Budget for 2019/20 was released on, Monday, 27 May 2019.  The Budget contained key measures, including the introduction of two super-luxury motor vehicle duty thresholds that will impact some VACC members and consumers.  Those thresholds are listed below.


 

Licensed Motor Car Traders (LMCTs) are advised that this bulletin is the second in a series of communications from VACC and the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) regarding the recent announcements emanating from the 2019-20 Victorian State Budget.

Members of the VACC Motorcycle Industry Division (MID) and Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA) should be aware of two recent public statements released by Honda Australia and Yamaha Motor Australia that announces that they will both stop retailing ATVs in Australia if a draft standard known as the ATV Mandatory Safety Standards proposed by the ACCC becomes law.

 

Members have been previously advised that amendments to the Competition and Consumer Regulations 2010 (Cth) will mandate the requirement of prescribed text for businesses who give consumer written warranties against defects for the supply of services, as well as goods and services.  You can view a copy of the amendments by taking this link.

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

The Inquiry into Franchising in Australia, conducted by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, is complete and its findings – published under the title Fairness in Franchising – were released today.

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?

The Automotive Workplace Evidence Record folio supplied by VACC enables business owners to track apprentices progress.

Chain of Responsibility laws, mandated by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) will come into effect on 1 October 2018, and it’s important you are prepared.

From 1 July 2018, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT commenced issuing a NHV number plate.

VicRoads will send NHV number plates to its Customer Service and Dealer network over the next two weeks.

Members are advised that the current Motor Car Traders Regulations 2008 will expire on 1 December 2018. A remake of the Regulations has taken place and VACC has been advised that the commencement date for these Regulations is 1 September 2018.

Members were advised on 22 March 2018 that a Parliamentary Inquiry into the operation and effectiveness of the Franchising and Oil Code of Conduct had been established and that VACC would be entering a submission on behalf of its members.
It is the view of VACC that the Parliamentary Inquiry represents a significant opportunity to present the best case for change.

VACC has received information from new and used car retailers that they are being advised of delays of up to three months when attempting to book in vehicles for recall work as mandated by the Consumer Goods (Motor Vehicles with Affected Takata Airbags Inflators and Specified Parts) Recall Notice 2018.

VACC has pressed for a review into franchising with the objective of achieving an industry specific Franchise Code for many years now.  It is obvious that even with amendments to the Franchising Code, and the introduction of unfair contracts laws more recently, that our Dealer members that have had disputes with franchisors, had been left with little legal protection.

As per the VACC Safety Alert in October 2017, Marnie Williams (WorkSafe’s Executive Director) announced that quadbike enforcement will commence in March 2018. Yesterday, a VACC Motorcycle Dealer Member brought to the attention of VACC that a customer/farmer was issued an improvement notice from WorkSafe. The contravention was regarding the risk associated with the Quad Bike overturning in the farming workplace.

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.

Members are advised that as per Section 6(3)(C) and Section 7(8)(C) of the Consumer Goods (Motor Vehicles with Affected Takata Airbag Inflators and Specified Spare Parts) Recall Notice 2018 that Airbag Warning Stickers are now available on the OurAuto iStore at ourautoistore.com.au.  The product code is VAC0291.

VACC is receiving information from new and used car retailers that they are being advised of delays of up to three months when attempting to book in vehicles for recall work as mandated by the Consumer Goods (Motor Vehicles with Affected Takata Airbags Inflators and Specified Parts) Recall Notice 2018.

Members have been advised that on 25 February 2018 the Federal Government announced a compulsory recall for all vehicles affected with defective Takata Airbags.

VACC has issued bulletins to its members on how the future sale of new and used vehicles affected by the recall can be sold.

To assist members further VACC has taken advice from our national body, the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA). The MTAA advice reaffirms previous advice generated by VACC and legal guidance provided by our legal advisors in previous bulletins.

VACC has received many calls from LMCT’s regarding the announcement made by the Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, The Hon. Michael Sukkar MP, in introducing a compulsory recall for all vehicles fitted with defective Takata airbags.

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.

After member enquiries regarding clarification of what is required when registering motorcycles, ATV's and side by side vehicles VACC has sought information from VicRoads which can be accessed by using the links below

 

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.

VACC has 16 Divisional Committees that represent different sectors of the automotive industry.
The Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association (FIMDA), is a VACC Division representing Victorian farm and industrial machinery retailers. FIMDA supports members’ business activities by identifying issues impacting industry and working with government, authorities and the broader community to rectify them. A VACC Industry Policy Advisor works with the FIMDA Executive Committee to support the interests of the Victorian farm and industrial machinery industry.

Members would be aware that VACC regularly meets with the State Revenue Office (SRO) to discuss issues directly related to Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) application, collection and payment of Motor Vehicle Duty as legislated via the Duties Act 2000 (the Act).

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

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued alerts in June and August 2017 on certain Polaris and Yamaha quad bikes.

In a recent WorkSafe Victoria Stakeholder Reference Group, WorkSafe’s Executive Director, Marnie Williams provided an update to stakeholders on the WorkSafe Victoria Quadbike Rebate Program. 

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.

Licensed Motor Car Trader (LMCT) members should note that from June 2017, the terms and conditions of the VACC Contract of Sale of New and Used vehicles (VACC Sale Contracts) have changed.
The updated contracts are identified by ‘Version 11 October 2016’ and are protected by copyright to VACC.

Please find below a summary of information contained in recent Federal and Victorian State Budgets. There is some good news in respect of tax, duty and infrastructure initiatives that will assist in the helping members bottom-line and keeping regional Victoria’s agricultural community buoyant.

VACC has been advised that Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) is seeking expressions of interest for an industry representative member on the Motor Car Traders Claims Committee (the Committee). VACC encourages suitably qualified members of the motor vehicle trading industry to nominate for a vacant position on this committee.

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. 

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. 

As many VACC Members are aware, the Victorian Government announced a $6 million subsidy scheme for farmers to make their quad bikes safer. WorkSafe Victoria are overseeing the over-arching quad bike safety program and now accepts operator protection devices (OPD’s) fitted to a quad bike as part of the solution to controlling the risk to operators in the event of a rollover.