9 minute read
Victorian Opposition pledges $3 million to AAAA
SHARING THE JOY
AAAE was the first opportunity to speak in person to the true believers about the reality of Mandatory Data Sharing
What a joy it was to be able to give an update that did not contain the message that the data sharing law is either on its way, waiting for a government commitment, being drafted (18 months), in consultation, or waiting to go through the lower house or the Senate. Finally, I could deliver a presentation to the industry that the Law is here and on track to commence on 1 July 2022. This was without doubt probably one of the most satisfying moments in the campaign for me; a moment in time to reflect on what we have done together. We are a fragmented industry that is fiercely independent and competitive and yet we have worked together as a finely tuned machine, with everyone doing what they are best at from meeting with local MPs and speaking with customers to hosting visits of politicians and bureaucrats. We did it all, and we were persistent and resilient. This is however more than just a moment to reflect on how great we are. This is a reminder that we will always be the underdog and we have an asset that we may need to use again and again: our unity and our confidence that yes, we can work together to achieve the impossible. We learnt that through this campaign. We learnt a great deal about how influential we can be when we are organised and when we trust each other; staying on message and leveraging our fantastic footprint of workshops in every city and regional, town. We know what we can do when we have to, and this is an important acknowledgment because Choice of Repairer is more than just our recent win. Yes, we have a Law, but we have much to do. We need to make this Law work and that means once again, working together on any gaps and any access issues. It is not perfect, and it is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. We want it to work, but goodwill and faith will be critical for the next 12 to 18 months. We need to find a way to make the good parts work for us and if we need to, find the policy pathways to address any gaps in the Law. I know we can do it. This Law looks good on paper; now whether it works in the field is dependent on two things – is the Law worded well to give us what we want – we won’t know this for a few months – and more importantly, it is up to us to use it and to be constitutive. We will need to do to what’s we have always done – keep the faith, and if that doesn’t work, collect good and solid evidence. It is clear we have much to do, but for just a short while during Expo it was the time to reflect on what a great achievement we pulled off. The Law commences on 1 July 2022, so get ready everyone, this is going to be an incredible ride!
Lesley Yates, AAAA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy info@aaaa.com.au
VICTORIAN OPPOSITION PLEDGES $3 MILLION TO AAAA
Victorian Liberal Party promises to fund an industry-led Future Vehicle Panel to facilitate EV service and repair training
Victorian Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables, Craig Orndarchie, has announced he will set up an industry-led Future Vehicle Panel to facilitate EV service and repair training if the Matthew Guy-led liberal party gains power at the upcoming Victorian state election in November. “I want to announce this morning that if a Matthew Guy government is elected in Victoria later this year, we will be granting the AAAA the sum of $3 million to lead, develop, deliver and coordinate extensive EV training, particularly to regional and rural Victorians across this state,” Ondarchie announced at the recent AAA Expo. “I will be appointing a Future Vehicle Panel and I’m expecting industry and the AAAA to be a part of that panel that will drive the decision-making. “The problem that all sides of government have had around the country is that they make policy decisions and then take it out the back and say ‘what do you think?’ Here’s a novel idea, why don’t we go and ask the market first before we make these policy decisions?” Ondarchie insisted that the AAAA be involved in the process of bringing the service and repair industry up to speed when it comes to EV training. “The answer for you guys is to get a role at the table, don’t sit back and wait to be asked. The industry collectively should be asking itself how do we make sure that it’s not all about climate change, it’s about protecting our industry,” Ondarchie said. “I do want the AAAA to be involved because I am worried that if you are not, the consumers are going to suffer because some people are going to try to corner the market, if we don’t have enough skilled labour around.” AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, thanked Ondarchie, whom he described as a true ally during the recently won Mandatory Data campaign. “I’m just blown away. Not only is that an amazing commitment, it is the first commitment of any state or federal government as a part of an EV strategy that focuses on training and skills and us being able to prepare the service and repair industry, so thank you,” Stuart said. For more on Ondarchie’s views on how governments should be approaching EVs, turn to page 79.
FUELED BY PERMANENT PROGRESSION
Powerful movers: Wayne Bryant and Amy Frangos hold new executive positions within GPC Asia Pacific
Movement has always fueled Wayne Bryant. Horsepower on horseback was where Wayne launched his career, enjoying strong success as a jockey apprentice before pivoting with characteristic agility to join Repco as a delivery driver in 1989 – all without prior automotive background or experience. Drive forward 33 years that have included relocations to three different states, six different cities, 18 roles within Repco Australia, a global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, and in January 2022 Wayne was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of GPC Asia Pacific’s Automotive Division. For Wayne, making bold moves within Repco and GPC Asia Pacific has allowed him to work with different leaders, amass new skills and work in diverse role capacities all under one roof. “GPC Asia Pacific has been a training ground for the industry,” Wayne said. “Our brands are icons of our industry. When you don’t just turn up to work but show up and embrace learning as a continuous journey, you can really go places in GPC Asia Pacific. “Many people within the wider industry have worked, learned and grown within GPC Asia Pacific at some point. “Many others have stayed, grown and richly diversified their careers within the business itself. I am one of those people, myself. “Our people have the unique ability to work, upskill and powerfully progress within our organisation with full support from leadership and team members. “One of the key things I aim to achieve in my new role is to create an environment where people can come and thrive in their careers as I have done. “Collectively, we aspire to make GPC Asia Pacific the industry employer of choice, retailer of choice and customer of choice within our supplier network.” Wayne isn’t the only recent appointment GPC Asia Pacific has been proud to announce, with the company recently choosing Amy Frangos as its new EGM Automotive Division. Amy started out her career in chemical engineering, before undertaking a transformative career redirection, going on to serve as management consultant with Inventium, EGM of Ryco Filters, Chief Disruptor for GUD Holdings Ltd and then eventually as Chief Strategy Officer for GPC Asia Pacific. Her first marketing gig was typically high octane, with a focus on marketing transformation: Repco was naming sponsor for the 2020 Bathurst 1000 and Amy worked with a new creative agency on the major innovative and highly impactful Bringin’ The Bathurst campaign. Now, as the new EGM Automotive Division, Amy’s focus remains on continual transformation and greatness. “My goal is to build GPC Asia Pacific as a business for the future. A sustainable business that can stand the test of time and is truly great. I’m looking to do this with great teams who love their job and feel empowered,” Amy said. For more from GPC Asia Pacific, visit www.gpcasiapac.com
This incentive from the Federal Government aims to support businesses
If you own a workshop and have been putting off upgrading your equipment due to the costs involved, Capricorn says you will want to look into the Federal Government’s Temporary Full Expensing incentive. Businesses that qualify will be able to immediately claim a full write-off for eligible assets. This means that the business portion of the cost of purchasing or upgrading equipment can be claimed on the next tax return. Capricorn, a member-based organisation that supports businesses in the automotive industry, encourages its members and others to take advantage of this opportunity if eligible. The organisation suggests that purchasing and installing equipment just before the end of the financial year may reduce the time the workshop is out of pocket, which may provide an opportunity to invest in capital equipment with minimal impact to cash flow. Capricorn wants to inform its members that qualifying workshops can claim any eligible asset that is first used, held, or installed ready for use for a taxable purpose between the 6th of October 2020 and the 30th of June 2022. Eligible assets may include wheel balancers, spray booths, solar panels, scan tools, hoists, and other workshop equipment, although there may be specific cost limits for certain assets like passenger vehicles. Eligible businesses will also be able to deduct the business portion of the cost of improvements made to an asset from the 6th of October 2020 to the 30th of June 2022. The Temporary Full Expensing Incentive is more likely available to businesses with an aggregate turnover of less than $5 billion. However, a business with a larger turnover may still qualify if it meets the alternative income test. For more details, you will need to visit the Australian Taxation Office website. Capricorn members can take advantage of Capricorn Finance in order to purchase new equipment required to improve and grow a workshop. Capricorn has pre-approved some of its members for loans up to $30,000 to fast-track the application process. It says this will make it easier to get equipment installed before the 30 June 2022 deadline. Fees and charges, terms and conditions, and lending criteria apply. Capricorn invites interested parties to contact Capricorn Finance at lending@capricorn.coop
