Chair’s Report

MTA CHAIR, FRANK AGOSTINO

Business confidence is a term that is thrown around a lot and will continue to be used for the foreseeable future with rising interest rates and inflationary pressures affecting every aspect of the automotive industry. Add the removal of the fuel excise cut and consumers are likewise feeling the pinch.

As we have emerged from the worst of COVID restrictions, businesses continue to face mounting external pressures. Despite these factors, the public’s enthusiasm for spending has largely not dampened, with data revealing Australians have recently spent a record amount of retail. The MTA will monitor conditions and respond accordingly to ensure you can continue operating effectively for the remainder of 2022.

Critical to this ongoing viability will be adapting to consumer demand and new technologies. This includes zero and low-emission vehicles. The MTA’s study tour to Europe highlighted business lessons which the MTA will use to support members and shape evidence-based policy development into the new year and beyond.

2023 will present new opportunities and challenges – but it goes without saying the MTA has been privileged under the unwavering hard work of Paul Unerkov. In August Paul announced that he would be retiring as CEO at the end of this year. After 30 years in the automotive industry, he is looking forward to focussing on some exciting new plans and projects.

In particular, he was integral to help driving the organisation to support the Northern Territory automotive industry and has been committed to growing the MTA’s presence and services it can provide locally.

Across his eight and a half years at the helm, he has brought unrivalled retail experience to his role and has been a fierce advocate for the automotive industry. On behalf of the board and our MTA membership, I would like to sincerely thank Paul for his dedication.

As an association we are privileged to have the talent of employees within our ranks to be able to promote from within upon Paul’s retirement. This is a testament to Paul who has developed an excellent leadership team.

To this end, the MTA Board unanimously endorsed a succession plan to promote Darrell Jacobs, current General Manager of Automotive Skills Development. Darrell has two decades of automotive experience and will provide the association with a strong knowledge base and connection to industry.

It is also important for the board itself to remain reinvigorated. Congratulations to Peter Roberts and Clive Polley on their re-election and Mark Flynn on his election to the MTA Board at the recent Annual General Meeting. They will help guide the leadership of the MTA moving forward and build on the expert industry advice, engagement and dedication of our wider membership.

The AGM proceedings were well received and it was a highlight to recognise milestones memberships. As a representative association we are only as strong as our members and such long-term affiliation reflects how important it is to remained focussed on our industry’s needs. This is why we exist.

On a personal note, it was incredibly humbling to be honoured with a Life Membership Award. It was not something I was expecting and surprised me at the time but is a recognition which I will closely cherish.