CEO’s Message

MTA CEO, DARRELL JACOBS

In my first report to you in the previous MTA Trade Journal Magazine, I shared my vision for our industry organisation to be the best automotive skills, careers and service provider. After seven months into my role as CEO, this pursuit is underway.

I am fortunate to work with such a passionate and committed team, and I have been impressed on a daily basis with the expertise and dedication of our staff. No two days are the same and on one I could be sharing a conversation with an apprentice and the next in a business’ workshop. It is my job as CEO to ensure our outcomes across these range of interests are achieving the high standards which members have come to expect.

Central to this includes being at the forefront of developments to the automotive industry. We are currently experiencing a revolutionary turning point representing some of the most significant innovations to mobility and transport seen in living memory. This is why the MTA is identifying further opportunities to deliver local upskilling training across the NT, including several courses of different length.

Whilst slower than other jurisdictions, more and more Territorians are choosing to purchase an Electric Vehicle and the MTA remains attuned to matching your skills to future requirements. This expertise is underpinned by our commitment to protect and grow the automotive retail, service and repair industry for the Northern Territory. It means that the best interests of the sector are considered in all our training and upskilling programs.

We know the transition to EVs will not happen overnight but we are seeing sales increase as new models and manufacturers continue to enter the Australian market. It is the MTA’s role to prepare automotive businesses for this and ensure we have the right settings and frameworks in place. This includes providing input on the Federal Government’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy where we will continue to consult with members about proposed policies such as landmark fuel efficiency standards. This future of the automotive industry can only be supported though if businesses feel safe and confident to operate. Through our members, we continue to hear shocking examples of local theft and vandalism. Among other issues this will be a central focal point for discussions with the Northern Territory Government when I meet with them this month. There isn’t going to be a quick or easy solution but we have to start somewhere. At what point do we say enough is enough and that businesses do not deserve to put up with it?

Looking ahead there is still a lot of important work to do. We cannot rest on our laurels. This includes renewed calls to mandate the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct in the NT, working more closely with schools to promote the exciting opportunities in the automotive industry, as well as working with government to cut red tape and make the NT a competitive place to do business.

I look forward to working with you to strengthen the industry and am only ever a phone call away if you would like to raise anything with me or any of the MTA staff.