Ground-breaking legislation to mandate the provision of motor vehicle service and repair information to Australian automotive repairers has passed the Senate.
The world-leading legislation fulfills a government commitment for a mandatory scheme to compel car manufacturers to share technical service and repair information with all qualified Australian repairers from 1 July 2022.
Work is already underway to assist the Treasury Department in designing information-sharing scheme rules. Peak automotive organisations, manufacturers, information providers, and the Department will work collaboratively to finalise the rules, mechanisms, and processes to implement the scheme smoothly in 2022.
VACC congratulates the Morrison Government, notably the Assistant Treasurer and Housing Minister, Michael Sukkar, for championing and seeing through a legislated solution.
"Minister Sukkar recognised the need for a practical solution and persisted despite sometimes seemingly insurmountable odds," said VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym.
"Australia’s global policy leadership is again highlighted as one of the few global jurisdictions to legislate a fair and balanced outcome for Australian consumers and automotive businesses."
The passage of the legislation through the Senate today culminated a decade-long odyssey of trial and error, voluntary agreements, inquiries and investigations, submissions, advocacy, and representation, culminating in a recommendation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in 2017 for a mandated solution.
"Automotive service and repair businesses will have strengthened rights to repair Australia's 20 million-strong fleet by accessing manufacturers' and data providers' service and repair information at reasonable prices. Australian motorists will also know their chosen repairer has access to critical service and repair information," said Mr Gwilym.
Useful links
ACCC: ACCC welcomes new law on motor vehicle service and repair information
Assistant Treasurer: Car service and repair to become cheaper under Morrison government reforms