NEWS
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH OUR POLITICAL FOOTPRINT? There are 163 workshops per federal electorate, servicing about 336 households and about 734 vehicles For our sector in auto service and repair workshops alone – in every federal electorate on any given day we are providing services to thousands of voters – that equates nationally to about 40,000 households at a cost of nearly $12 million per day. These numbers matter because they represent our ‘political footprint’ which provides every Member of Parliament seeking re-election, a window into our value. Our voice is important both as employing businesses, but even more so because we are a constituent-facing service provider – we are speaking with voters every day and they trust us; our trust score is the envy of every politician at 78 percent. During our last interaction on a government level, where we asked MPs to engage with our industry, I think everyone was surprised at the high volume of official visits to workshops we got. This highlights
that we should never underplay our importance, after all we have a good story to tell. It is so obvious on reflection – of course an MP wants to know the local businesses and they want to hear what’s of concern and how they can help. We have learnt that an MP engagement strategy works. Our recent calculation of how many workshops an MP represents in federal parliament is a reminder to us that we have considerable political muscle which we can exercise when we want to be effective, and when we have a common unified message to convey. Why is our influence with government important? Well, we know our next big issues are about gearing up for EVs and addressing our workforce shortages. When we have a consistent message for how we want government to react to these issues, it will be time to start the process of reengaging with local MPs again. It worked last
Lesley Yates, AAAA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy info@aaaa.com.au time for mandatory data sharing because we all reached out at the same time, we had the same visit template, and everyone stayed on message explaining what was broken and what we wanted as a solution. The challenge for us at this point in time is to put in the hard work on what we want government to do in response to our current issues and design a solution we can promote, and they can get on board. The lesson is that we have the footprint, and we know how to use it.
BROADENING INDUSTRY HORIZONS WITH AAAA BOARD APPOINTMENTS The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association is pleased to welcome new directors to the AAAA Board As the national, independent association representing the aftermarket, the role of the AAAA’s Board is critical in further strengthening the Association’s ability to support, develop and future-proof the aftermarket industry. A group of industry leaders nominated for the four available 2022 Board positions. After a fantastic voter turnout, the new positions were formally announced at the 41st AAAA Annual General Meeting on the 25th of October. The successful candidates elected for a three year term were Mike Carnemolla, the Director at 313 Automotive Pty Ltd; Peter Rogers, the National Manager at Repco Authorised Service; Darren Robinson, the Managing Director at Hella Australia; and Don Cormack, Chief Executive Officer of Adrad. “We are extremely fortunate to have such a repertoire of industry talent offer their services for the betterment of our industry,” AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said.
“I wish to congratulate Darren and Don on their re-election to the Board, and provide a warm welcome to Mike Carnemolla and Peter Rogers. “AAAA Board positions are highly sought after and attract strong candidates. “With only four Board positions available, unfortunately, some candidates were not successful this year. I want to thank and acknowledge Cody Harrison and Michael Werle for their nominations and thank retiring Directors Steve Lewis, John Benson and Sean Buckley for their outstanding service on the Board.” “With the worst of the pandemic hopefully behind us, I look forward to pursuing a new chapter for the automotive aftermarket with the AAAA Board. “Along with Mark Pedder, our Chairman, I’d like to thank the entire AAAA Board for their insight and unwavering contribution to our fantastic industry through these challenging times. “The AAAA is well placed to continue its role in
Mike Carnemolla
Peter Rogers
ensuring the growth of the industry and providing clear value to our members.” The full list of AAAA Board Members and positions are available at www.aaaa.com.au/about-us/ board-of-directors The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association is the only independent national body representing and supporting the automotive aftermarket industry. AAAA member are manufacturers, suppliers and retailers of automotive parts and accessories, tools and equipment and providers of service, repair and vehicle modification. To learn more about the AAAA, please visit www.aaaa.com.au Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine November 2021
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