CEO’s Message

MTA CEO, PAUL UNERKOV

As we farewelled 2021 and set our sights towards a new year, it’s fair to say that life in the automotive retail, service and repair industry like others, continues to be challenging. Running a business today is more complex than it has ever been, and so it has been my primary concern to ensure that as members, you remain connected with the MTA through updates and advice, and that we are representing your interests through our ongoing advocacy to government.

We know skills shortages continue to be a massive challenge for industry and so it was no surprise that when we asked you whether you supported close contacts being able to safely return to work if they meet specific COVID-SAfe requirements, 95% said yes. In January, we wrote to SA Premier, Steven Marshall on this topic which you can read more about on page 16.

SA Body Repair Laws

At the beginning of December last year, the MTA secured a massive win for the automotive industry in South Australia, with the passing of the new Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry (MVIRI) Code of Conduct legislation through SA Parliament.

South Australia is now the first Australian state or territory to add enforceable penalties for breaches of the MVIRI code which will become law under the Fair Trading Act (SA) 1987.

The amendment will help to protect small-to-medium MTA repair businesses, through facilitation of fairer dispute resolution processes with insurers.

In addition, the changes will also require insurers to disclose to South Australian policy holders whether they have choice of repairer, as well as whether they have direct financial ownership or a contractual relationship with a repairer.

Skilled Migration

Just prior to international borders reopening in Australia last year, the MTA learned we were successful in our lobbying efforts for the return of six automotive trades to the Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) skilled migration program in South Australia.

Pleasingly, another occupation was also added to the list: 070499 Automotive Transmission Technician. This fantastic win can not only be attributed to the work done by the MTA, but also the invaluable contributions made by our members, particularly through the session we held with the South Australian Department for Innovation and Skills in February.

The six reinstated occupations are:

• 321111 Automotive Electrician

• 321211 Motor Mechanic (General)

• 321212 Diesel Motor Mechanic

• 321213 Motorcycle Mechanic

• 899411 Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitter (General)

• 324111 Panelbeater

Motorcycle Training Review

In November, changes to the Graduated Licensing Scheme for motorbike riders came into effect.

Motorcycle Industry Association SA/ NT Chair, Mark Flynn, together with MTA staff, recently engaged with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport and other stakeholders to get the review underway.

Our clear message to the Government is that any changes should not become unreasonably expensive or over burdensome for new riders.

Second-hand Vehicle Dealers Act Review

Over the last three years, the MTA has been advocating to Consumer and Business Services (CBS) for a review of the Second-hand Vehicle Dealers Act 1995. We are aiming to modernise South Australian laws to match how you, the dealers, conduct your business.

CBS sought input from the MTA among other stakeholders, and endorsed the majority of our proposed changes. Suggestions such as removing the waiver of cooling-off rights and stronger penalties for odometer tampering were among our formally lodged recommendations.

We look forward to seeing the draft legislation in the coming months.

Engage with us on the issues that matter so your opinions are heard. Whether it’s through zone and divisional meetings or the surveys we send out via email, the MTA will take those sentiments to government and advocate for necessary change in the automotive industry.