SPECIAL INTERVIEW
MINISTER CHAMPIONS THE CAUSE FOR INDEPENDENT MECHANICS
A ‘never give up’ attitude by the AAAA backed by the determination and support of Federal Minister Michael Sukkar has resulted in a new information-sharing law Following nearly a decade of campaigning by the AAAA, the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme Bill was passed by the Senate late last month. The new law will make it illegal for car companies to withhold information from qualified independent mechanics, keeping the cost of replacement parts, vehicle maintenance and repair affordable. Federal Assistant Treasuer Michael Sukkar was one of the champions of the campaign that lead to the Bill. In this exclusive interview with Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine Minister Sukkar explains why he remains so passionate about this issue. AAAM: How were you first made aware of this issue and when did you first become aware that consumer choice was limited by a lack of repair information sharing? MS: Independent repairers and industry representatives, like the AAAA and particularly Chief Executive Officer Stuart Charity, have been vocal about this issue for some time. In 2017, the ACCC found a lack of access to service and repair information was causing delays and higher costs for consumers. Around one in 10 motor vehicles taken to repair workshops were affected by a lack of access to service and repair information. These findings backed up what I was hearing from independent repairers and it became clear that attempts at voluntary arrangements were not working, which is why the Morrison Government
committed to progressing a mandatory information-sharing scheme. The Government has now delivered on that commitment by passing legislation through the Parliament to establish the scheme. AAAM: What inspired you to take action? Ministers have a lot on their plate and we wondered why you personally supported this one as a priority issue? MS: Automotive repair is an important industry which keeps Australia’s 19.8 million vehicles on the road. There are nearly 35,000 automotive service and repair businesses in Australia, employing over 106,000 Australians. The average household spends more than $1,500 a year on servicing and repairing their car. By levelling the playing field for independent repairers and creating a more competitive market, these reforms will bring down the cost of owning a car. I want consumers to be able to access servicing and repairs in a fair, competitive market. This ground-breaking legislation will give consumers more choice about where their vehicle is repaired. This is also consistent with the Government’s approach to back small and medium-sized businesses. AAAM: What is your own experience of auto repair and service? We have heard that your family supports a local independent repairer and you have done so for a long time? MS: I have gone to the same local mechanic for 20 years. No matter which car I own, I like taking my
Minister Sukkar (left).
car to him and I want to make sure that he’s able to get the information he needs to service and repair my car. Since I bought my first car, I have seen cars become more like computers on wheels and these days most of the information needed to repair new cars is only available to the dealer. That’s why, in essence, we’re now requiring car manufacturers to make available to all independent repairers the service and repair information shared with their dealership networks. AAAM: How will this new law make a difference to independent repairers? Will they get more business or is it a matter of being more effective with the customer base they have now? MS: Most importantly, the scheme will benefit independent repairers by mandating the provision of accessible and affordable diagnostic, repair and servicing information so they can do their job safely and effectively. Currently repairers can lose work when they are not able to access the information they need, despite being trained to do the job. Independent repairers want to avoid unnecessary delays or sending customers to the dealership to complete a repair. As the scheme rolls out, consumers will realise they have more options when they need to service and repair their car. This will promote competition, allow independent repairers to grow their businesses and establish a fairer playing field for all repairers. AAAM: What happens if car companies find and exploit loopholes? What if all the ways they can get around the new laws aren’t known today and they find new ways to frustrate the Scheme? MS: The Government will keep a close eye on industry’s response to the scheme and will
20
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine July 2021
