CEO’s Message

MTA CEO, DARRELL JACOBS

As a new year begins, the extraordinary privilege of being appointed to the role of CEO of the Motor Trade Association SA/ NT is not lost on me. I have a clear vision for the MTA – to be the best automotive skills, careers and service provider. Building on Paul Unerkov’s tremendous work, I am committed to delivering this to ensure members can ultimately remain doing what they do best –running their business.

Coming into the role I bring sheer enthusiasm in representing one of the most important industries to the local economy and Northern Territorians at large. Classified as an essential service throughout the COVID-induced lockdowns, automotive keeps the territory moving. This is where getting the public policy settings right for automotive businesses is critical across retail, service and repair. Equally still, the MTA must be fit for purpose to deliver the key services to our members.

To meet this goal, the MTA is revitalising our internal organisational structure. As part of our vision for the association to be the best automotive skills, career and service provider we are synergising our resources in 2023 and beyond.

On a practical level for members and MTA customers, we are integrating our field operations across training, employment and divisions. Our goal is to support your business better by having more representatives in industry, understanding the key issues and helping solve them as quickly as we can.

Moving forward, I look forward to leaning on the guidance of members as we navigate ongoing policy priorities, including skills shortages. The transition to zero and low emission vehicles will also present new opportunities for the industry but we must ensure that this transition does not adversely affect local businesses. The MTA will stand shoulder to shoulder with industry in this regard, whether it’s advocating to all levels of government on your behalf or helping your business prepare to sell, service and repair new vehicles.

This is why the MTA will continue delivering local electric vehicle training in the NT. Industry demand is accelerating for hybrid and battery electric vehicle training and we will continue offering a range of short courses in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology for technicians to upskill.

For members, I am committed to making sure you have access to the very best workplace relations services. Most MTA members have been with us for more than ten years and may not have called upon our expertise to assist them, but they know that the MTA will always be there should an issue arise. In my view having this confidence and peace of mind remains essential.

Over the coming months I look forward to engaging with as many members as I can. As an association we are only as strong as our membership. This includes our Chair, MTA Board, Industry Advisory Council and Chairs of each Divisions and Zones. My door is always open as we strive together to develop the MTA to be the best automotive skills, careers and service provider.

This will complement working with all levels of the Northern Territory Government and members of parliament to ensure continual engagement and open and honest conversations that can strengthen both the Automotive Industry and the NT.