TACC news

TACC launches Election Priority Agenda

4 March 2024

Implementing the Tasmanian Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Practice and introducing a Light Vehicle Roadworthy Inspection Policy will improve consumer protections and put Tasmanians on the same playing field as most Australians, says the Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (TACC) on the launch of its priority political agenda ahead of the state election. 

In its 2024 Tasmanian Government State Election pre-election submission, TACC today released its five essentials for the next Tasmanian State Government: a mandated body repair industry code, the considered roll-out of energy infrastructure, a mandated light vehicle roadworthy inspection policy, proper funding of the skills and training sector, and a responsible end-of-life automotive waste products plan. 
 
“TACC wants a stable and majority empowered government that listens to industry, with politicians that not only make promises but who deliver on agreed action plans, provide funding and put timelines behind their words,” said TACC State Manager Bruce McIntosh.
 
TACC also calls for Government Business Enterprises reform, especially in the power generation and energy distribution sectors, so the transition to zero and low emission vehicles harmonises with energy infrastructure accessibility.
 
“Consumers determine the path that the industry takes. The business community – not the government – will provide the jobs to match consumer demand,” said Mr McIntosh.
 
“There is not just one solution to reducing Tasmania’s transport sector carbon emission footprint and industry must remain nimble to meet consumers’ needs.”
 
The Tasmanian State Government needs to focus on incentivising consumer markets and invest in the supply networks to produce long-term demonstrated results. 
 
The removal of industry’s waste products, such as end-of-life tyres and batteries, screams out for a renewables solution.
 
“It’s one thing to ship waste products to other states for recycling, but the cost to do this falls on the business sector and then, ultimately, consumers. We just keep moving the stuff around and the consumer pays. Meanwhile, what have we done for the environment?” said Mr McIntosh.
 
TACC also encourages the next Tasmanian State Government to continue supporting TasTAFE and the Department for Children and Young People. These registered training organisations work closely with industry and train the next generation of automotive professionals.
 
“There’s no magic wand, but there’s a lot of work going on within our communities and schools to recognise the importance of the vocational sector and how it can provide our young people with trade qualifications and promising futures.”

Read the full submission here: https://shorturl.at/cuzFY

ENDS

For interviews and comments
Head of Marketing, Media, Communications & Publications
David Dowsey
P: (03) 9829 1247 M: 0419 361 122
E: ddowsey@vacc.com.au