Media coverage

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Engine Reconditioning and Radiator Service Division (ERRD), recently held its annual general meeting whereby Mr Eddie Woods, Chair of the ERRD 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 of the Engine Reconditioner and Radiator Service Division (ERRD).

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?

Thursday, 29 November 2018 at 5.30pm
VACC House
 

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.

The Victorian Government is strengthening health and safety regulations around lead-based work. VACC Members, particularly those engaged with radiator repair work should be aware of future changes to lead exposure standards in Victoria.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.