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Right to Repair Passes Key Milestones
by Boylen
Significant progress has been made on the Right to Repair issue in recent months.
The Competition and Consumer Amendment (Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme) Bill 2021 was introduced by the Federal Government and approved by the House of Representatives in mid-May. The MTA is hopeful that it will pass the Senate before the Canberra break in July and the government has set a target for the scheme to be in operation mid-2022.
The legislation sets out a mandatory access scheme, for qualified or authorised people, to access technical service and repair documentation.
The Federal government has also announced in its latest budget that it will provide $9.9 million over five years from 2020-21 (and $1.2 million per year ongoing) to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to support the implementation of the Mandatory Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Scheme.
“Right to repair has been an ongoing issue for independent repairers trying to access technical service and repair information from manufacturers,” said Kaes Cillessen, the MTA’s Industry and Government Engagement Manager.
“A scheme for voluntary data sharing failed to achieve the desired outcomes and the ACCC then recommended going to a mandatory data sharing arrangement.
“If the legislation passes the Senate, the main industry associations representing all of the interests ranging from manufacturers and dealers through to small independents will have to work together.”
“We’re supportive of independents accessing information, but it must be at a fair price in recognition of dealers who have made significant financial investments in their franchises,” said Kaes.
“We’re keen to make sure that we can get this scheme up and running and bring the voice of not just the independent repairs, but also dealerships, to the table.
“Obviously we don’t support that access to information is open to everybody, including backyarders.
“But in knowing our membership, the Motor Trade Association of Australia (MTAA) has a very good grip on the automotive industry and the legitimacy of certain operators.
“The MTA wants to work together to make sure the scheme is delivered and is fair to all parties.”
