MTA WA MOTOR April 2024

MOTOR

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1934-2024

MOTOR TRADE ASSOCIATION OF WA

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Things you should know: As this advice has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the information, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances.

10.24% is the merchant service fee rate which does not include the Mastercard and Visa Interchange rates. Interchange fees are set by card schemes such as Mastercard and Visa for processing transactions between Commonwealth Bank and the cardholder’s bank and is subject to change, therefore, savings may vary.

2Commonwealth Bank merchant cost comparison is available to compare all fee types & competitors. Different assumptions and estimates could result in materially different results. On this basis, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy of the information or projections contained in this example. Fees, charges, terms and conditions apply. Please view our Merchant Agreement, Financial Services Guide and Operator and User Guides at commbank.com.au/ merchantsupport

MTA WA may receive a referral fee from Commonwealth Bank for each successful referral (excludes existing customers) on eligible Business Banking products and services.

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IGREAT PRIDE AS MTA WA CELEBRATES 90 YEARS

With MTA WA CEO Stephen Moir

n April 1934, a small group of service station owners from across Perth gathered to discuss their concerns over fuel discounting and what they saw as an unfair trading environment. The result of this meeting was the formation of the Western Australian Service Station Association. In their first year of operation, they grew the membership to 56 fuel and tyre retailers and garage operators which, by any measure, was a commendable result.

Fast forward 90 years and the Motor Trade Association of Western Australia has grown from those humble beginnings in 1934 and is now recognised as one of the largest and most influential industry associations in the State. Further, it is widely respected nationally for its advocacy work on behalf of the automotive industry.

Of course, there have been several iterations of the Association over the past 90 years.

The Western Australian Service Station Association operated from 1934 through to 1949, by which time membership growth and industry diversity created the need for a more appropriate name. The Western Australian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (WAACC) operated from 1949 until 1987 when the Board of the WAACC made the decision to change the name the Motor Trade Association of Western Australia, bringing it into line with most Eastern State MTAs.

Fred Harry was the Executive Director of the WAACC and the MTA WA from 1949 to 1987, an amazing 38 years of service to the industry. There has only been nine Chief Executive Officers of the Association over the 90 years of operation and 40 Presidents elected.

Today the MTA WA has evolved into a complex business that not only advocates and represents our 1600 members, but also trains over 800 light vehicle apprentices and employs 390 people, including 330 apprentices. The MTA WA is now the largest training provider for light vehicle apprentices in Western Australia, and we were the first provider to offer electric vehicle training, ensuring that the industry’s technicians remain at the forefront of technology. Our reputation in this space is such that several resource

companies are now utilising our services to provide quality training in EV technology.

The Board and Management team are always working to ensure that the Association remains relevant to our members and in 2023 we finalised a new three-year strategic plan for the MTA WA. The plan is founded on three core pillars; that we are Fit for Future, meaning that the Association has the resources and services to be able to best serve our members, that we have Financial Sustainability and that we are in a position to Grow and Diversify the Association. The core values that the Association operates on are positivity, respect, collaboration, leadership, honesty and innovation and members can expect these values to be reflected in any dealings that they have with us.

I have now been fortunate enough to work for the MTA WA for the past 14 years and in that time we have grown the Association substantially, with turnover in 2023 topping $24 million. We have restructured our membership division to ensure an increased level of direct contact with members and a new suite of services, ranging from health and safety, industrial relations and training, are being developed and will be available to members over the forthcoming months.

The success of the MTA WA is a result of the hard work and dedication of our Board and staff members and the continued strong support of our members, and I want to thank all members for your continued commitment to the Association. The future for the MTA WA is very positive and I look forward to being a part of that journey.

National Fuel Efficiency Standards

The effectiveness and ability of the MTA WA, and our national body, the MTAA, to advocate has been put to the test over the past months following the Federal Government’s announcement of their National Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES).

On 4 February 2024, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen, introduced the proposed NVES which, if implemented, would have seen Australia introduce the most stringent emissions laws in the world. The NVES is a key component of the Government’s fiveyear plan to reduce vehicle emissions by more than 60 per cent for passenger and light commercial vehicles.

In his announcement, the Minister made a number of claims aimed at garnering support from the general populace for these changes. These included that “Australians will soon be able to choose from a wider range of more efficient, modern vehicles, and be able to save at the bowser.” The mantra from Ministers was cheaper cars, lower running costs, greater choice and, therefore, an easing of the cost of living. Despite these claims, the Government refused to release any modelling to support these assertions so, in the absence of a model, the MTAs, the AADA and dealers worked with what was on the table to determine the impact. Members may recall that we talked about the price of a Toyota Hilux increasing by up to $15,000. While this figure would not have been far off, it was immediately slammed by the Minister as the industry scare mongering.

The communication about the NVES from New Car Dealer members to the MTA WA was strong and consistent. It was the view of all dealers that this scheme would have an immediate impact on the prices of some of the more popular model vehicles.

The MTA WA, along with our partner associations in the East and the AADA, mounted a highly visible campaign in an attempt to have amendments made to the current proposal. This included having all CEOs and Chairs from the state MTAs and Chambers hold a series of meetings at Parliament House in Canberra on the February 7 to raise our concerns. Meetings were held with Ministers

Bowen, Transport Minister, Catherine King, and Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins, along with the Coalition’s Senator Bridget McKenzie, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Services and Ted O’Brien, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy.

Whilst in Canberra we also hosted a dinner with the Chair and Vice Chair of the House Inquiry into Electric Vehicles where we highlighted not only our concerns but also the requirement for significant investment in both infrastructure and training.

To support our campaign, we teamed up with the AADA to bring a highly respected US fuel efficiency expert, Barbara Kiss, to Australia. The Government were continually claiming that they had based the proposed system on the approach taken by the United States. However, the US uses a number of systems, have a substantial vehicle manufacturing industry and provide significant subsidies for both industry and consumers. The presence of Barbara Kiss provided enormous value to the MTAA position and certainly assisted in achieving the outcome.

In all, the MTAA and MTAs participated in over 40 meetings with Ministers and Government agencies during the six week consultation process, which indicates the significance of this issue to the industry. The MTAA also developed a substantial written submission which focussed in on a number of critical issues, including:

• Categorising four-wheel drive vehicles and SUVs as Light Commercial

• Calling for true consistency with the US model, not just the parts that fit the ideology

• Commitment to biennial reviews of the NVES

• Allowing for the pooling of credits

• Investigating and acting on the impact on regional dealers and consumers

• Reviewing stimulus measures, including extending the FBT criteria for PHEVs beyond 2025

• Calling for the introduction of a national end-of-life vehicle scrappage scheme to treat and dispose of the 20 million ICE vehicles to come off Australian roads

• Alerting motorists and industry of the elements and timing of an introduction of a national road user charge

• Raising the issue of skills and labour shortages to meet the future demands.

As a direct result of the advocacy of the MTAA and AADA, the Minister announced a revised version of the NVES which included the following key points:

• Recategorising a limited number of 4WDs from passenger car to light commercial vehicle. This acknowledges that some off-road wagons use similar ladder-frame chassis and need comparable towing capacity above 3 tonnes to dual cab utes.

This includes models such as the Toyota Landcruiser and Nissan Patrol

• Smoothing the emissions trajectory for light commercial vehicles. This reflects adjustments announced by the US EPA to its Vehicle Standard and smooths the transition for utes, vans and 4x4s

• Adjusting the weight-based relative emissions limits (known as the break point), recognising that heavier vehicles emit more

• Staging implementation to enable preparation and testing of essential data reporting capabilities. To ensure we get the implementation right in partnership with industry, the scheme will commence on 1 January 2025 but manufacturers will not begin earning credits or penalties until 1 July 2025

• To help accelerate the transition, the Government will provide $60 million to boost electric vehicle (EV) charging at Australian dealerships, under the Driving the Nation fund.

The MTA WA’s and MTAA’s number one goal has always been to support the interests of our predominately small to medium business members, many of whom operate in regional Australia, as the transition to EVs accelerates.

The Federal Government’s revised package went further than just the NVES. Importantly, further action to support the whole of the automotive industry with EV transition has been foreshadowed, including targeted industry-led skills support and assistance for charging in dealerships and repairer businesses. This whole-of-industry approach is critical – consumers need more than just the cars, they need access to charging and properly trained repairers.

But it’s not over.

Whilst the legislation has been signed off, it still needs to pass through Parliament and that may prove difficult, particularly as the Greens are very frustrated with the changes and see it as a weakening of position.

Our role going forward will be to work with the Federal Government on the implementation of the NVES and its operation for the five-year term of the program concluding in 2029. The review of the NVES in 2026 will also be critical. MTAA will continue to monitor consumer impacts and international trends and advocate for further adjustments to the NVES over time.

Creating improved awareness of member benefits

Did you know that MTA WA members have access to unlimited phone to phone business support? Or that there are practical workplace relations resource tools available on the website such as employee engagement letter templates?

A recent strategic organisational review has identified that many members are unaware of the full scope of services offered by the MTA WA to help their business.

To this end, the Association recently welcomed two new staff to its ranks. Shelly Cornell has taken on the role of Membership Service Manager while Xahlia Jeffcote is the first of two representatives to be recruited tasked with visiting members in the metropolitan area.

Along with a series of planned regional networking sundowners, starting with events in Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Albany in early June, it is hoped that all members will have an

opportunity to engage with the MTA WA in person over the next 12 to 18 months.

“There are so many facets to our service delivery, from workplace relations and access to legal advice to apprentice employment and training that, unsurprisingly, not every member is across everything we can provide for them,” said Graham Cawley, MTA WA General Manager, Membership and Industry Engagement.

This sentiment is echoed by Xahlia Jeffcote following her first visits to metropolitan members, from Butler in the north to Byford in the south.

“The MTA WA brand has been going for 90 years so it is very established and has a strong reputation,” she said. “However, meeting people face to face is allowing me to educate members on some of the additional services they may not have realised we provide, such as some of the practical tools on the website or the exclusive offers from MTA WA partners.”

Xahlia comes to the position following a successful career in events management.

As a people person, her engaging and friendly personality is immediately apparent as she describes her enjoyment in meeting people, hearing their stories and discovering what a member’s particular needs are.

“I recently met a young husband and wife team who are just starting to establish their business and it was so validating to hear their appreciation of the help provided by the MTA WA’s Workplace Relations team when they were having some issues,” Xahlia said.

“Upon hearing these stories you realise how important the customer service side of the MTA WA business is and I’m very proud to bring my skillset to the organisation and hopefully encourage our members to take full advantage of what we offer.”

Explaining that her role encompasses developing interpersonal relationships by being the touch point between the MTA WA and its members, Xahlia said that the people she had so far visited appreciated the face-face opportunity to discuss issues and have queries answered.

“As the digital and online world takes over more of our lives, actual face to face interaction continues to be eroded so I am thrilled to be in a position where I can touch base with people as a fellow human being,” Xahlia said.

Xahlia Jeffcote, Membership Service Manager

‘‘Meeting people face to face is allowing me to educate members on some of the additional services they may not have realised we provide.

Xahlia Jeffcote, MTA WA Membership Officer

While Xahlia’s role is primarily meeting members in the workplace, Shelly Cornell will be the first point of contact for members seeking help and advice from the MTA WA.

Along with highly respected and long time MTA WA employee Marie Donato, Shelly’s role also encompasses organising a number of industry sector forums and committee meetings as well as identifying potential additional services members may require and then developing the resources to meet those new needs.

Coming from a background as the State Manager for a peak health body, with vast experience in stakeholder engagement, committee management, policy and legislation development and advocacy for members of not-for-profit organisations, Shelly is highly qualified for this new position in the motor trade industry.

Her passion and dedication to the representation of member interests to ensure fair outcomes is immediately evident when she describes some of the issues being raised when members phone seeking advice from the MTA WA.

“I have been struck by the need for members in this industry to be very vigilant in their processes in order to protect themselves,” Shelly said.

“It’s been really eye opening to witness a side of the automotive industry that rarely gets any publicity when helping members with the battles they sometimes have with consumers who are, in some cases, trying to get away with very unfair claims.”

Motoring passion

It’s never six degrees of separation!

While new to the automotive industry, both Shelly and Xahlia have connections to motoring passions.

Shelly has a major unfulfilled motoring dream.

“I really like speed,” she says, explaining that one of her motoring highlights was learning how to drive a rally car at Bakers Hill owned by champion driver Tolley Challis at the Perth Rally School.

“I have often berated my parents for not putting me in a go-kart when I was younger for motorsport has always been, and continues to be, a major passion and if I could have my time over again, I would be a racecar driver,” Shelly said.

Xahlia, on the other hand, is the granddaughter of Ron Pritchard and great granddaughter of Harold Pritchard, both whom ran Pritchard’s Holden Service at 29 Scarborough Beach Road North Perth between the early 1940s and late 1960s.

The former Pritchard’s site is now home to Chinta Cafe, which still includes references to the old garage on its exterior wall.

“My dad Shane used to be a member of the British Motorcyle Enthusiasts Club, and still has my grandfather’s old 1961 BSA A10 ‘Golden Flash’,” Xahlia said.

“I have fond memories of him constantly tinkering with his collection of BSAs and Nortons in the purpose-built brick shed.”

One aspect of the role that Shelly has found particularly satisfying is observing the MTA WA’s ability to provide a solution to a member’s problem, drawing a comparison with the actual work of a mechanic fixing a problem a car may have.

“I think this is what we do really well and it’s great to know that once we have provided a solution to problem, the job is complete,” she said.

“And now with the expansion of the membership services team, we are in the position to help more members discover just how much the Association can help with their business while at the same time canvassing members as to their needs,” Shelly said.

The planned regional events will very much embody this desire to showcase to members the depth of services available to businesses.

“The roadshow will not just be a networking event, but very much an information evening where, amongst a host of other things, we will be demonstrating the resources available on the website and talking about some of the common problems members face and the solutions we can provide,” Shelly outlined.

Look out for further information as to when the MTA WA will be visiting your region.

Shelly Cornell, Membership Service Manager

Toyota enters the EV fray

Toyota’s green credentials have taken a major leap forward with the launch in Australia of the long awaited full electric BZ4X SUV. Whilst the BZ4X has been available overseas for some time, its introduction into the Australian market will challenge a number of existing brands such as Tesla’s Model Y, Kia’s EV6 and Polestar.

Toyota has received a fair deal of criticism in recent times over the perceived lack of low and zero emission vehicles within its model line-up. This commentary, which comes predominantly from environmental groups, the Greens and EV-centric associations, fails to recognise the fact that Toyota has been the market leader in petrol hybrid technology for more than 10 years. Currently it has no less than nine different models in this space, in both sedans and SUVs. Toyota’s

hybrids now sit comfortably amongst the top sellers for the brand and, with new models coming, this will only strengthen into the future.

Now let’s address the naming of this vehicle which, I have to say, I’m not a fan of. BZ stands for beyond zero, and once explained that makes sense. It is a little like BYD (Build Your Dreams) which had me scratching my head when I first saw it. The 4X however is a little more confusing because if, like me, you thought it stands for 4WD you would be wrong. It actually refers to 4 crossover. Both the 2WD single motor and AWD dual motor versions carry the same naming protocol.

The BZ4X is a dedicated EV platform and not simply an adaptation of an existing model and on that basis, Toyota has crammed a number of innovative, leading-edge features into this car.

The BZ4X featured in this review is the

range topping AWD version and from the outset this is a car that gets your attention. The first thing that hits you is the size. The BZ4X’s wheelbase is the same length as the Landcruiser but its overall length is the same as the Rav 4. Match this with 20-inch wheels and the result is a car that looks solid from the outside and provides a very roomy space for passengers internally. The styling is a blend of Lexus mixed with elements of the new Toyota C-HR Koba resulting in a striking look, particularly around the grill and front LED lights. The AWD version also comes with a few exterior enhancements including a sunroof, roof rails, gloss black panels, and privacy glass.

The AWD dual motor version produces 160 kW/337Nm and will get you to 100 km/h in just under seven seconds which, by EV standards, is not quick but more than adequate and when

STEPHEN MOIR

driving the car. It certainly feels quicker than this result.

With a 71.4kWh battery Toyota claims a range for the AWD of a smidge over 400 kms. The FWD version sees this increase to 530 km, which is impressive and certainly reduces any range anxiety consumers may have. One thing I did notice during my test was that the BZ4X didn’t deplete the battery as quickly as other EVs I have driven. Charging can be done through either the DC port up to a maximum of 150kW or through the AC port topping out at 11kW. A 15kW DC charger will take about an hour to bring the battery up to 80 percent from 10 percent while a 150kW charger will achieve this in 30 minutes.

Choosing to plug the BZ4X in at home will require around 30 hours to charge from empty to full while using a 7kW charging unit it will take around 10 hours. I plugged the BZ4X into the MTA WA’s 8kW wall charger when the car was at 60 percent and after three hours, I had 85 percent which is very acceptable. However, like all EVs, patience is an important requirment.

The BZ4X comes with Toyota’s 5-year warranty and the battery is covered for up to 10 years which will assist in maintaining the value of the vehicle over the longer term.

And just when you thought EVs only belong in the city, Toyota is marketing this car as a real off-roader with their off-road ready X-mode and grip control feature while the higher ground clearance demands you to find a track somewhere.

Internally, the BZ4X offers a real sense of space and comfort and, unlike many

EVs, it retains its car-like feel. What I mean by this is that a number of EVs feel like you are sitting in an Ikea store and not a car, so Toyota has nailed this aspect for me.

Taking the driver’s seat, the first thing you notice is the smaller (7 inch) forward instrument cluster which provides you with key information such as speed, battery range etc. Just forward of this is a small camera that monitors the driver’s attention by tracking eye movement. And it works! Several times during my test I was told to refocus on the front of the vehicle as I had wandered. It is a bit like having a back seat driver, but it will keep the driver focussed which is an important safety feature.

To the left of this is the large 12.3 inch touchscreen display which has a range of applications such as Apple Carplay, Android, air conditioning, and an excellent navigation system. I personally don’t like car systems that are only accessible via a touchscreen and Toyota has retained a number of hard press buttons for the user which I think is a feature that many will appreciate.

The standout feature for me however was the “Hey Toyota” virtual assistant system. I have used a number of these systems and the majority have been limited in their ability to interpret what is being said. Not so with this one. Demonstrating excellent response to commands, the user can control a good number of systems such as air conditioning, phone, navigation, and entertainment very simply.

The BZ4X comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense technology which includes a pre-collision safety system, emergency

driver stop, lane departure alert and lane trace assist. It has a 5 star ANCAP rating.

One minor criticism, however, is the size and position of the steering wheel. The wheel feels much smaller than a regular steering wheel and it sits low. Raising the wheel to its maximum height blocks the instrument cluster, which initially is annoying. That said, I soon became familiar with the feel so no long term issue here.

You get a powered driver’s seat and heated front seats and steering wheel but, interestingly, there is no glove box, just a large storage bin in the centre console where you will find the owner’s manual and service books. There is also a wireless phone charger in the centre console and an additional USB port.

The rear seats offer an amazing level of leg room for a medium-sized SUV and passengers are able to access twin USB charging points and a large centre drop down armrest with cup holders. The boot provides 450 litres of space and a false floor allows storage of smaller items or charging cables. There is no spare tyre with this model. How does the BZ4X drive? This is a Toyota, and unsurprisingly it drives very much like a normal ICE Toyota, which I think will be a huge drawcard for many. This is not an intimidating car. It is simple, drives really well, has great safety systems that don’t impose any real stress and, most importantly, it is comfortable.

I think that there will be consumers who have never really contemplated moving to an EV who will reconsider simply because it’s a Toyota. That level of brand familiarity provides a degree of comfort that this is a reliable, wellbuilt car that will retain its value well.

Drive away pricing for the AWD version starts from $82,762, with the FWD starting at $73,257 and this places the BZ4X firmly up against Tesla’s Model Y. I think it will provide some competition given the reputation of the Toyota brand.

My thanks to Toyota WA for allowing me to put the BZ4X through its paces.

MATTERS

With Graham Cawley General Manager Membership and Industry Engagement

Working with DoT to improve dealer online access

As part of a healthy working relationship between industry and government aimed at providing benefits to all stakeholders, the Motor Trade Association of WA continues to work with the Department of Transport WA (DoT) to further advance the Dealer Online System (DOS).

Recognising the benefit of the DOS as a significant time saver for dealers, increasing the availability and use of electronic forms and improving the heavy vehicle licensing process is an important issue for the MTA WA in its work as an advocate for the industry.

With dealer priority counters at Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centres removed, some dealers have expressed concern at having to deploy staff to attend centres for long periods of time to complete administrative tasks that could be implemented into the DOS.

The MTA WA is in constant discussion with the Department of Transport as we work towards finding improved solutions to some of these issues.

Most recently a meeting with senior government officials was held at the MTA WA’s Balcatta offices in late February to review progress.

It is pleasing to report that a recent trial initiated by the MTA WA and DoT to deliver licence plates directly to dealers is now nearing completion with the general consensus suggesting it has been a great success.

Direct delivery of licence plates to dealers will now be an option in a couple of months, albeit with certain conditions needing to be adhered to.

Nine dealers were initially involved in the trial with the first order of 500

plates dispatched on December 5 last year. To date, a total of 4,500 pairs of number plates have been directly delivered with overwhelmingly positive feedback from dealers who have noted some big savings in time and administrative efforts.

A mid-trial risk assessment was conducted in March.

The possibility of increasing access to electronic forms is being further explored and data has been collected on the most frequently used forms in order to initially provide those that would most benefit the industry.

The DoT has released survey to collect additional information from DOS users on further potential improvements. It will compliment another survey on the DoT website seeking feedback on the information provided to motor vehicle dealers as a whole.

The unique needs of the heavy vehicle industry will also be considered when reviewing any improvements to DOS and vehicle licensing in general to

ensure this critical part of our industry is also able to access electronic forms and plate delivery.

Odometer fraud update

The motor trade industry is all too aware of odometer fraud and the MTA WA, in partnership with Consumer Protection, has done some great work in this space by developing a co-branded used vehicle checklist and odometer declaration form for use by dealers and repairers.

DoT is also scoping the necessary work to implement a suggestion by the MTA WA which would see recorded vehicle odometer history displayed on DoTDirect, allowing easy access to this information by dealers, repairers and consumers.

2023 graduate class revved for success

The MTA WA Automotive Institute of Technology (AIT) student graduation night held in January 2024 marked the culmination of dedication and hard work and for a cohort of 220 aspiring automotive professionals.

Sponsored by Spirit Super, the graduation event was held at the AIT centre in Balcatta with students, trainers, industry leaders, family and friends gathering to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2023.

Among many highlights was the presentation of the prestigious Trainers’ Choice Award, which recognises exceptional commitment and character within the cohort. This year the honour was bestowed upon apprentice Kobee Ziedas, employed by G&M Forklift Hire, for his diligence, outstanding classroom manner and positive attitude.

Over 120 guests joined in celebrating the achievements of the Graduate Class of 2023, demonstrating the strong bonds forged within the automotive community by the AIT.

Mel Greenhow, General Manager of Training, kicked off proceedings with a motivational speech outlining his inspirational personal journey from preapprentice to running the registered training arm of the MTA WA.

As the event drew to a close, the AIT made public its ambitious goal to trained over 1,000 students in 2024. The institute remains steadfast in its mission to empower the next generation of automotive professionals through comprehensive education, hands-on experience and pastoral care.

The Motor Trade Association of WA and Automotive Institute of Technology wishes its graduating Class of 2023 every success in their automotive careers.

Cassandra Twigger and Mel Greenhow

Kier Johnston and Mel Greenhow

Kobee Ziedas, winner of the prestigious Trainers’ Choice Award, pictured with Mel Greenhow and trainer Matt Wemyss.

As the recognised voice of the Western Australian motor industry, the MTA WA has a long and storied history of providing strong representation to all aspects of our multi-faceted industry.

Starting life as the Western Australian Service Station Association in April 1923, the initial meeting of traders aimed to bring a disunited industry together and attracted 56 retailers. The objective was to secure the cooperation and support of all service station proprietors throughout the State in order to create fair and equitable trading conditions.

“The definite necessity for a Service Station Association must be very evident to all interested parties in the motor service and garage trade,” it was reported in an editorial in the first published journal of the Service Station and Motor Trader magazine.

Citing the “rapid and continuous increase in the number of persons taking up the motor service business”, the editorial went on to say that “unnecessary and unprofitable competition” between traders needed to be regulated.

Further to this, the Association would provide the opportunity “to meet together and discuss all individual ideas on trade matters.

“The inability to secure unity of effort through the non-existence of the essential machinery has, without question, to a large extent been responsible for the present chaotic conditions that now exist.

“There is now no reason for any trader to consider that he is isolated from his fellow traders and left to face his problems entirely on his own. The Association offers practical assistance to all traders and every trader should, in his own interests, link up as a member at once,” the editorial concluded.

At the time of forming, it would

appear there was a great deal of concern about the petrol “price cutting evil” in the service station trade. One of the first functions of the association was the establishment of a co-operative purchasing scheme which provided members with significant savings on wholesale costs and provided controlled selling conditions.

Likewise, supplying tyres to consumers was also unregulated and created unfair trading conditions the new association looked to improve.

“The Association has undertaken to give effect to the new policy and with the definite support of all tyre manufacturers there should be no reason why the stabilisation of prices in the section of business should not be effective and permanent,” a piece in the Service Station and Motor Trader magazine in 1935 read.

While the language is very much of its time, the overarching objectives of this fledging organisation have not altered in the 90 years of operation.

“From its origins as a service station operators’ association, the MTA WA has steadily grown to its current position as a strong representative body encompassing every facet of the motor trade industry,” current CEO Stephen Moir said.

“It was a great achievement in the 1930s to organise the disparate sectors of the industry into a

cohesive and influential association and the level of support that we enjoy today from our members is due in part to the vision of those early retailers in unifying the industry,” he said.

The MTA WA today, just like the industry itself, is a constantly evolving entity, continually looking to improve services and delivery to members.

“With 18 different divisions representing the interests of our diverse industry, we are constantly adapting to ensure we can best meet the needs of our members,” Steve said.

“Every aspect of this remarkable industry, from managing training and apprenticeship opportunities though to providing legal advice and representation to members and providing advice to Government, is now part of the remit of the MTA WA.”

In the 90 years of operation, it has grown from that small organisation of just 56 service station members to now represent well over 1,500 Western Australian businesses and close to 30,000 employees.

“The reputation and credibility built up by our organisation is due to the responsible and objective manner in which its policies are formulated and implemented and as a result we are proud to be acknowledged by the public and private sectors alike as being the voice of the motor industry in Western Australia,”

Steve concluded.

Motor Trade Association of WA

April 1934

Western Australian Service Station Association established with 56 traders initially signing up

1935

First ‘Service Station and Motor Trader‘ journal published

1949 Service Station Association name change to Western Australian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (Inc)

1952

WAACC moves into first building it owns in Stirling Street Perth

My personal journey with the Motor Trade Association of WA commenced back in 1975 as Dealer Principal with Shacks Cockburn. However, with Andy Shack being one of the founding members of the Western Australian Service Station Association, the Shacks name has been linked with this fine organisation since its inception in 1934.

So much has changed in our industry over the years. However, one constant is the parochial assistance, advice, camaraderie and networking that has always been offered to the motor industry family through the MTA WA.

I, on behalf of the extended Shacks family, congratulate the MTA WA on reaching this amazing milestone and thank the organisation for the support offered to our close knit motor industry community over the last 90 years.

Doug Kerr, Chair of the Shacks Motor Group

Congratulations to the Motor Trade Association of WA on your 90th anniversary! We are proud to have been members for well over 45 years, and in that time we have found the organisation to be extremely helpful in all areas and highly recommend their services to anyone involved in the WA automotive industry.

Garry Millane, G.M. Millane & Co

1987

Chamber changes its name to the Motor Trade Association of WA Inc

2017

V8 Supercar champion

Craig Lowndes officially opens new MTA WA Balcatta headquarters and traing centre

1998

MTA WA moves to new premises in Herdsman

2021

MTA WA’s Automotive Innovation training Centre in Balcatta officially open by Premier Mark McGowan

The Webster family has been involved with the MTA WA since the early days of the West Australian Service Station Association when my grandfather Bert owned Webster’s Garage on the corner of Walcott and William Streets, Mount Lawley.

My father John and his brother Peter were members of the MTA WA during their time as VW and Holden Dealers in Midland. A move to Osborne Park followed in the late 1970s with Honda and Volvo franchises and invaluable support and information was provided by the Association in all aspects of the business.

I joined the family business in 1979 and soon became involved in many MTA WA committees and activities, eventually taking on the role as President in the early 2000s. Over my time spent at MTA WA meetings and seminars I met other motor dealers, some of whom became mentors to me and helped me to learn more about managing a dealership and best industry practice.

With the often adversarial nature of patrnerships between dealers and distributors, it is extremely important to have a close working relationship between motor businesses and their industry association, the MTA of WA. It certainly helped us.

Congratulations on 90 years of great service!

Rob Webster, past MTA WA President and life member

Officeworks your partner in business. We’re here to support MTA WA members with our trusted range of over 40,000 products, business services and specialist advice to keep your business running smoothly and help you get back to what you do best.

Apprentices keeping the bus wheels turning

There was never any doubt in Liam Sharp’s young mind as to where his future lay.

Following his first introduction into the world of heavy diesel machinery during a work experience stint at the Wangara Transperth depot as a Year 10 student, Liam was convinced this trade was for him.

“It was something I always wanted to do,” Liam explains. “When the apprenticeship came up and I was lucky enough to get it, I just grabbed the opportunity with both hands and I haven’t looked back.”

Having completed his apprenticeship

in 2015, he is now the leading hand at Swan Transit’s Shenton Park depot.

Liam is one of the many training success stories resulting from a strong and longstanding relationship between the Apprenticeship Employment Services arm of the MTA WA and Transperth bus operator Swan Transit. It is an alliance Paul Harvey, one of the MTA WA’s Apprenticeship Employment Consultants, is extremely proud to be associated with.

“Working in public transport, Swan Transit is mandated to comply with Perth Transport Authority (PTA) requirements where safety and

APPRENTICE CASE STUDY

Fraser Hancey

From washing dishes at a local restaurant and collecting Coles shopping trollies, 20 year-old Fraser has truly found his feet as a heavy diesel apprentice with Swan Transit at the Karrinyup depot.

Initially looking to start a light vehicle apprenticeship after developing a strong interest in cars and wishing to further his practical skills, Fraser is very happy to be working with bigger ‘toys’.

“I have just started my second year and it’s been a great journey so far,” he said.

“There’s a lot to take in and it can be very challenging at times trying to work everything out as I don’t have really have a mechanical background, but I am really enjoying the learning process.

correct procedure is of the utmost importance,” Paul explained.

“In turn, this is a great benefit to the apprentices as they are trained in how to do the job correctly and to the highest standard. There are no short cuts – it has to be right.”

While the practical training of the young apprentices is very much in the hands of Swan Transit, one of the critical functions performed by MTA WA managers like Paul is the pastoral care of his young charges.

“It’s vitally important to our business that we have qualified mechanics moving forward so we absolutely

‘‘ I think we have a social obligation to train mechanics for the whole industry given we operate half of the Transperth network. We can’t just be a consumer.

Brian Thompson, Managing Director Swan Transit

want to see the apprentices succeed,” says

Brian Thompson, Swan Transit Managing Director.

“However, a few have some major challenges in life and Paul and the MTA have a wealth of specialty knowledge to provide support to them emotionally and practically as well as resolving any issues should they arise,” Brian said.

There are other pragmatic reasons as to why Swan Transit chooses to use the MTA WA’s Apprenticeship Employment Service as opposed to directly employing apprentices.

“We have taken on apprentices ourselves in the past but the problem with that system is that we have very strict policies and procedures and we are bound by them,” Brian said.

“Unfortunately, if an apprentice, for example, breaks one of those strict rules and they’re directly employed by us, there is no second chance. However, because they are employed by the MTA WA, Paul can take them under his wing, mentor them through and give them that second chance with another placement.

“It’s a fantastic system that works

brilliantly for the host employer and for the apprentices,” Brian enthused.

Problems with apprentices, however, are rare thanks to a very thorough application process that includes aptitude testing and careful placement to ensure the candidate is a good fit for the host employer.

It’s a system that had yielded a very high success rate for Swan Transit and Brian says that the company could not survive without the apprentices. Swan Transit is currently training 33 apprentices across its depots.

“A lot of the young guys who have come through here via the MTA WA are still with us and I would say that approximately half of our leading hands have come through this system,” Brian said.

“It’s very much the ideal scenario for all concerned as promoting people internally who know exactly how we operate is always a better option than seeking employees from outside of the organisation.”

Transit

Brian Thompson, Managing Director Swan

Paul Harvey, MTA WA Apprentice Employment Consultant

Career progression is a very important part of the apprenticeship journey for both the MTA WA and Swan Transit.

“Making sure we keep our apprentices once they qualify is critical and as such we offer very good working conditions and pay, as well as opportunities to take on other roles within the organisation,” Brian said.

“We are in competition with the mining industry to some extent and we have lost a few apprentices and mechanics to FIFO, but by far the majority can see the benefits of staying in Perth with this company.”

The acting leading hand at the Swan Transit Karrinyup depot, Brandon Nguyen, was one of those apprentices who initially felt that his future would be in the mining industry once he was qualified.

“Brandon had successfully completed his apprenticeship at Midvale but was going to have to continue his Swan Transit career at the Karrinyup depot,” MTA WA’s Paul Harvey explained. “He was convinced he wanted to go to the mines but I sat him down and explained that he had a fantastic opportunity here to both make the big dollars as well as having a good lifestyle.

“Brandon has been at Karrinyup for 12 months now and he is a changed man and very, very happy.

“It’s like the tortoise and the hare analogy. Everyone thinks it’s the hare who wins, but ultimately it’s the tortoise as you’re going to get there eventually and you’re also going to enjoy life along the way,” Paul said.

With a recent promotion to acting leading hand at the Karrinyup depot, it is a sentiment echoed by Brandon himself.

“I am now helping to organise the day to day running of the workshop and I am really enjoying this new challenge,” Brandon said.

“It’s a lot of paperwork – which doesn’t suit everybody – but it is really interesting planning the work schedules and organising the people to do the jobs in order to keep the buses running.

“I do miss being permanently on the tools, but I’m enjoying learning new skills as a people manager.

“I also think it helps that I have done the apprenticeship with Swan Transit as I know what the guys are talking about when they come to me with a problem,” Brandon said.

Understanding the importance of staff retention, Brian Thompson says that Swan Transit endeavour to make the working conditions for both bus drivers and mechanics as favourable as possible.

APPRENTICE CASE STUDY

Liam Sharp

“We’re all about not disrupting family life unlike the two weeks on, one week off FIFO scenario which is totally disruptive,” he says. “Our staff are like our family and we want to offer them a great lifestyle as well as a great career.

“But as well as that, I think we have a social obligation to train mechanics for the whole industry given we operate half of the Transperth network. We can’t just be a consumer,” he said.

Having completed his four year heavy diesel apprenticeship with Swan Transit in 2015, Liam has well and truly taken his career to the next level.

Responsible for managing work schedules as the leading hand at the Shenton Park depot, Liam’s enthusiasm for the job is evident when he explains that the diversity of the role, which encompasses everything from diagnosis and parts acquisistion to managing people, gives him great job satisfaction.

“Not only do I love the variety of work but also the chance to continually further my knowledge when temporary deployment opportunities at different Swan Transit depots are offered,” Liam says, explaining that he values learning new approaches to problems.

“While the money might be a little better on the mines, I’ve got a family now and I am very happy to stay in Perth,” Liam said.

“Swan Transit is a great company to work for with fantastic opportunities for personal growth and progression and, to be honest, the money is pretty good.

“It’s also fantastic that I get to sleep in my own bed every night, see my family and more than pay my bills.”

Brandon Nguyen, acting leading hand at the Swan Transit Karrinyup depot.

Recruiting and retaining apprentices

With employers continually looking to recruit apprentices and trainees, the Motor Trades Association of WA Apprentice Employment unit is working hard to find sufficient suitable candidates.

With the discussion ongoing as to how to attract suitable candidates to the automotive trades, and, just as importantly, retain them through to the completion of their apprenticeship, Steve Spini, the MTA WA Apprentice Employment Manager, says that this is a challenge all industry stakeholders must embrace to sustain and grow the pool of tradespeople.

Citing the findings of a recent National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) report on the retention of apprentices and trainees, Steve said that the recruiting process was critical to ensure both employees and employers were fully aware of their obligations to training, both in the workshop and the classroom, in order to sustain the apprenticeship.

“In many cases, the high attrition rate of apprentices, particularly in the first year, was found to be due to a lack of understanding by both parties of their responsibilities,” Steve said.

“Some businesses may not have good mentoring or coaching skills which is critical to the apprentice’s development and further exacerbates the situation.

“Anecdotally, some employers have unrealistic expectations and expect too much from a young apprentice or trainee and can become very frustrated with their lack of productivity,” Steve said, outlining that the best host employers understood that it took time to learn new skills.

He said that the high attrition rate should be ringing alarm bells and that it was vitally important to develop strategies to retain the apprentices and trainees in order to safeguard the automotive industry now and into the future.

So why do apprentices leave our industry?

• Exposure to a limited range of repairs

• Allegedly being bullied

• Being used as cheap labour or as a lesser worker

• Alleged verbal abuse

• Not being challenged / learning enough

• Not happy with employer / conditions

• Poor wages

• Work / life balance

“We have to realise that today’s young people have grown up in a very different world when compared to 20 or 30 years ago and our approach in managing them must reflect this,” Steve said.

Striking the correct balance between work commitments and a life outside of work was considered by today’s apprentices to be particularly important, Steve said.

Outlining that in the past the automotive industry had accepted the satisfactory completion of year 10 as a minimum formal education for commencing an apprenticeship, Steve said the rapid technological changes in the motor industry, particularly the emerging EV sector, had changed requirements.

“We now consider the completion of year 11 and 12 or a pre-apprenticeship as a minimum entry level for an automotive apprenticeship,” Steve said. “However, a great attitude and a strong desire to be involved in the industry is also vitally important.”

“The hope is that these more mature students have the academic wherewithal to successfully undertake a four year apprenticeship and are capable of learning the required technical knowledge to become a quality automotive technician.

“However, if we are to keep them within the industry once qualified, all stakeholders in the automotive industry need to understand the challenge and get involved in marketing and recruiting apprentices to ensure we meet the demand of the future,” Steve said.

Reinventing the family legacy

TAKING OVER THE FAMILY BUSINESS AS A VERY YOUNG MAN

AFTER HIS FATHER’S UNTIMELY PASSING, DAIMAN CLARKE HAS TAKEN BUS HIRE TO NEW HEIGHTS.

WORDS AND PICS: PAUL ROBERTS

With a great deal of satisfaction and pride, Daiman Clarke, Managing Director of Fleetspec Truck and Bus Hire, scans the multitude of different class vehicles displaying the company’s distinctive logo.

With over 230 vehicles for hire, ranging from 12 seater buses through to 23ton crane trucks, Fleetspec has become one of Australia’s leading suppliers to the mining and construction industry as well as to the government and private sectors.

It hasn’t always been this way and the impressive state-of-the-art Malaga site Fleetspec now calls home is testament to Daiman’s determination and unwavering belief in a dream. It is also a fitting tribute to his father’s legacy as a hard working mechanic come bus hire operator who passed away very young

and before being able to realise the potential of his business acumen.

And while there is sadness, Fleetspec’s journey is ultimately a tale of triumph over adversity.

The story begins in a small mechanical workshop in Osborne Park in the late 1980s run by Daiman’s father, Charles ‘Mac’ Clarke. As a ‘side hustle’ to supplement the income generated by the workshop, Mac had invested in three old MTT buses which he would hire out or charter with a provided driver. He called the bus hire company McLaren’s Hire and Drive in honour of his grandmother – McLaren being her maiden name and ‘Mac’ his adopted name.

Petrol and oil was obviously in the blood for the then teenage Daiman declared his wish to do a light vehicle apprenticeship with his father upon

completing high school. While the idea of an apprenticeship and a future working partnership met with Mac’s approval, the idea of training his son did not so Daiman ended up learning his trade with Scarboro Toyota, qualifying in 1999.

Having just turned 20 and with his trade in the bag, the next stage of Daiman’s life was a long planned two year surfing odyssey around Australia with a mate.

Unfortunately, however, Mac had recently been diagnosed with cancer. He was only 49.

“Dad said ‘I still want you to go. It’ll be alright’ so we bought an old ‘Troupy’ and began what was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime,” Daiman said, taking up the story.

“Nine months later when we were in Queensland, I got the call saying you had better come home.

“We got back in late January 2000 and dad passed away in March.” Daiman had just turned 21.

“Although I had only just completed my apprenticeship and had no idea how to run a business, I felt I had little choice but to take over the day to day running of the workshop for mum,” Daiman said, explaining that even banking a cheque was a new skill to be learnt. By this stage the hire fleet had grown to six buses but due to Mac’s illness, the business was not in great shape.

After 18 months of hard work, Daiman’s resolve to carry on in his father’s footsteps was set in stone and he purchased the workshop equipment and the best three buses from his mother, selling the remainder for what little he could get.

Continuing to spin the spanners for workshop customers with friend Greg Dyson (another young mechanic who, incidentally, still works with Fleetspec today) Daiman was also on call 24-7 for McLaren’s, looking after all hire bookings and keeping the buses serviced and cleaned.

“The demand for hire at that time mainly came from school trips, bucks and hens nights, golf trips and so on,” Daiman said. “Multi-day school camps were as good as it got.”

This was all to change in 2006 when the future direction of Fleetspec was fortuitously determined following the purchase of a second-hand, six-yearold Toyota Coaster. It is a vehicle that

Daiman has kept to this day as a fitting reminder of the genesis of this now very successful business.

“That Coaster was the first vehicle we ever sent on to a mine site and, much to our delight, it was a three month contract,” Daiman said, explaining that he could see great potential for long-term hire from Western Australia’s mining industry. Soon, Daiman was getting requests for more mine-spec’d buses and the business really began to take off.

With ever-increasing enthusiasm for the hire business, Daiman continued to increase his assets, expanding into the lucrative truck rental market with the purchase of two tray trucks and a furniture truck.

A move to a larger site in Balcatta, from where Fleetspec’s furniture truck hire business still operates, coincided with the adoption of the Fleetspec Truck and Bus Hire name. With diversification the name of the game, the business now served an ever-increasing number of clients, from metropolitan mums and dads looking to move house on a weekend though to contractors in the northwest of the State.

“The business has well and truly grown with everything from a 12 seater bus through to a 58 seater and from a water tanker through to an eight wheel truck with a crane,” Daiman explained, reflecting on the expansion from those early days to now.

The first Toyota Coaster Fleetspec Truck and Bus Hire sent to a minesite, now wearing signage to reflect the rich history of this family business.

Fleetspec Truck and Bus Hire services and maintains all its hire vehicles.

‘‘From a couple of old MTT buses, the business has well and truly grown and now we hire everything

from a 12 seater bus through to a 58 seater and from a water tanker through to an eight wheel truck with a crane.

Daiman Clarke, Managing Director, Fleetspec Truck and Bus Hire

“We certainly haven’t forgotten where we came from as we still do the school trips and hen’s nights, etc but the long-term hire is where our business model baseline sits and we have invested significant amounts of money in certain niche vehicles in order to satisfy that market.”

Explaining that most of the vehicles utilised on short to medium term mining projects are hired by contractors, Daiman said it makes better economical sense to hire very expensive equipment than for the operator to purchase outright.

“This is our market and it’s great when things are booming and we have rigs earning money for six months at a time,” he said. “But when the industry experiences a downturn, it is us who has taken the risk with the asset purchase, not the contractor.”

And just when Daiman was starting to realise his vision of a striking, custombuilt state-of-the-art workshop and headquarters on a large tract of land in Malaga purchased in 2011, the bottom fell out of the iron ore market and those expensive assets started rolling back in to sit idle in the Balcatta holding yard.

“We had about five really tough years,” Daiman reflects. “We held on to most of the gear because we couldn’t really afford to offload as there was so much debt but that’s business and we made sacrifices in order to keep going.

“I’m so fortunate that my fantastic staff stayed with me. I remember about 10 Christmases went by with me announcing that this time next year we would be in this amazing new facility we’d planned in Malaga but we were always waiting for the industry to pick up again.” Around

2019, confidence was returning to the mining industry and Daiman was sure his Christmas promise was finally going to be fulfilled.

And then Covid hit “and overnight, every school that had booked an excursion cancelled and with all the tourism bus hire also instantly drying up, I remember thinking that this time the dream really was over.”

However, for Fleetspec the pandemic proved to be a blessing in disguise.

“Every single contractor in the mining sector rang asking for every bus we could supply as workers were now no longer allowed to sit next to each other so they needed twice as many,” Daiman explained. “Every bus we had went north and our utilisation was suddenly as high as it had ever been.” “It was now or never moment,”

Daiman said and with building commencing in 2021, his promise to staff – as well as a bricks and mortar tribute to his father’s foresight – was finally realised in March 2022. With Fleetspec servicing and maintaining all vehicles on-site, the Malaga headquarters features state-ofthe-art workshop facilities, including tyre fitting, and environmentally friendly wash bays.

“It’s been a long hard slog, but I am so proud to be able to look back at what dad started and what we’ve been able create from his initial vision,” Daiman said. “And who knows, maybe one of my children will end up taking the reigns from me in the future and continuing the legacy.”

As you enter the Fleetspec building, it is impossible not to notice the impressive display of ex-army camouflage vehicles adorning the reception floorspace.

Pride of place, however, is taken by a 1930 Ford Model A, the first vehicle owned by Daiman’s father Mac and, as such, a fitting tribute to the man who started the business Fleetspec has grown to become.

When asked why the army vehicles, Daiman explains that he has always had a fascination with the work of the Australian armed forces and the machines that play such a vital part in performing those duties.

“I remember as a kid I wanted to join the army cadets but mum and dad weren’t keen so maybe the fact that they said ‘no’ to me back then

spurred on this interest later in life,” Daiman said.

“Some people are into muscle cars and others enjoy vintage and classic cars. This is my particular passion and I think most people can relate to these vehicles as they are actually pieces of Australian history.

“It’s certainly a great conversation starter and it was always the plan when we designed the building to have a dedicated space in the foyer for this collection.

“They are all displayed pretty much as I bought them but I do like the idea of one day getting hold of an army vehicle to restore.

“Time is my biggest enemy and what little spare time I have is dedicated to my family at the moment but it will happen,” Daiman said.

Timeless quality Millane’s hallmark

GARRY MILLANE HAS BEEN CREATING BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS FOR CARS FOR OVER 60 YEARS. WHILE NO LONGER QUITE SO HANDS-ON, HE STILL SWELLS WITH PRIDE AT THE QUALITY OF WORK PRODUCED BY THE COMPANY THAT BEARS HIS NAME.

Behind a soft grey exterior frontage in East Perth’s industrial precinct, broken only by the name of the business in unassuming red lettering, a group of highly talented crafts people create beautiful vehicle interiors.

Unique amongst the motor trades, where new innovations become yesterday’s news almost immediately, motor trimming is a discipline that has essentially remained unchanged since a cow’s hide was found to offer outstanding comfort and durability.

And with almost 60 years experience, G M Millane & Co Motor Trimmers has built an enviable reputation as the ‘go to’ destination in Western Australia for all things related to quality motor vehicle trimming.

It is a source of great pride and satisfaction for owner and long-time MTA WA member Garry Millane.

“It’s an easy business to start for all you need is a sewing machine, a pair of scissors and a little bit of experience but the skills to do outstanding work are hard won and take a very long time to acquire,” he said.

And Garry should know, having commenced his five year apprenticeship with W&J Everett in the early 1960s.

“I was straight out of school, didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do and I didn’t even know what a motor trimmer was,” Garry says with a laugh.

“But back in those days, any apprenticeship was a good opportunity so I applied, got the job and I guess the more I became accustomed to the trade, the more I enjoyed it.”

With ambition in spades, Garry left W&J Everett in 1965 upon completion of his apprenticeship and started the business which still bears his name today.

“There were no hard feelings. I just had a strong desire to go out on my own and see what would happen,” he said. Starting from a small premises in Royal Street Perth, the business grew steadily over the years and has called their current spacious workshop home since 1976.

Quality work comes from having quality people and Garry’s smile is no wider than when he announces his longest serving employee has been with the company for 42 years and the second longest for 35 years. Several others have passed double digits. It is a source of

WORDS AND PICS: PAUL ROBERTS

immense pride that “once they are here, they don’t want to go anywhere else!”

“The staff are not working in a high pressure environment for the most important thing is that the job is done to the highest possible standard, whether they are working on the cheaper ‘mum and dad’ cars or re trimming a rare Ferrari,” Garry said.

“The people we have are very experienced in a broad range of skills,” he says. “There is almost nothing they can’t do in this space and to replace them would be nigh on impossible.”

“Not a lot of people have these skills now for the opportunity to manufacture and understand the process of making things is a dying art,” he said.

Passionate about his industry, however, Garry’s contribution to the trade has been huge thanks to his proactive approach to providing skills to future generations of motor trimmers.

“I believe I would be Australia’s largest employer of apprentices in this trade with close to 60 having learnt their skills with G M Millanne & Co over the years,” he said, explaining that the company currently has a first and a second year apprentice and a further two staff members who have recently qualified.

“Of course a lot of those people are now in opposition to me, but I am very proud to have given them their start and the skills to be successful in this trade,” he said.

The breadth of work undertaken by G M Millane & Co extends from mining industry vehicle refurbishment, insurance claims and private work.

“We get quite a bit of repeat business from private customers but it can be years and years in between seeing those clients, with one just recently coming into the shop who had me trim his car 30 years ago,” Garry said.

“And then there’s the children of previous clients who bring their cars in on the recommendation of their father. You just can’t beat word of month advertising but it all comes down to doing a quality job and therefore having that reputation.”

And it’s for this reason that Garry is not quite ready to retire.

“I love seeing the quality of work we produce everyday. It makes me a very happy man.”

ABOVE: Long-time MTA WA member Garry Millane continues to be passionate about the industry he has dedicated his life to.

Accidental businessman reflects on 50 great years

A STALWART OF THE INDUSTRY, BASIL SCAGLIOTTA HAS LEFT A LASTING LEGACY AS THE OWNER OF GINO’S PANEL AND PAINT. HE LOOKS BACK ON AN AMAZING JOURNEY AS GINO’S CELEBRATES OVER 50 YEARS OF OPERATION.

WORDS AND PICS: PAUL ROBERTS

The well known saying ‘out of the frying pan and into the fire’ very aptly describes Basil Scagliotta’s introduction to running his own business.

Reflecting on over 50 years of involvement with Gino’s Panel and Paint, one of Western Australia’s busiest workshops with nearly 400 cars passing through every month, Basil laughs when he says “there was no frying pan, just an immediate baptism of fire!”

“Having just finished my five-year apprenticeship with Gino’s at the age of 22, I married in April 1973 and we set off on our honeymoon,” Basil said, explaining that he was completely blindsided when he returned to work in May.

Now a married man with newly acquired hire purchase debts for furniture and renting a house for the first time, Basil was given an ultimatum by his employer that was to define his future.

“He basically said to me you can either buy the business or look for another job because I’m getting divorced and I have to sell,” Basil said.

“I was incredibly naive and had no idea how to run a business but I was ambitious, secured a loan from the bank and took over the ownership of Gino’s and the employment of one apprentice on July 1, 1973. I haven’t looked back since.”

At the time Basil took control, Gino’s was located in South Terrace Fremantle and after 10 years of successfully building up the business, he was keen to break the rental cycle and purchase the property – a proposition the land owner was willing to consider at some point in the future.

“He kept saying next year, and after eight years of hearing those words,

I began looking for a property that someone was actually willing to sell,” Basil says with a laugh, explaining that 50 years later, the original Gino’s location is still owned by the same person.

Not one to stand on ceremony, Basil took the unconventional approach of seeking out the owners of Backshall Panel in Hampton Road South Fremantle and making them an offer for the workshop.

Purchased in 1994, the old asbestos riddled “shed” which, interestingly, was once home to the Catalina Flying Boats operating on the Swan River, made way for the impressive purpose built building Gino’s occupies today. The new workshop was officially opened by then Federal Member for Fremantle, Dr Carmen Lawrence, in August 1998.

Basil is the first to admit that those early years of operation in the new location

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Basil Scagliotta laughs and his trademark smile becomes even wider when the obvious question is asked.

“Why is the business called Gino’s Panel and Paint?”

Having told the story of his unexpected acquisition of Gino’s in order to retain employment, Basil explained that the first six months were a whirlwind of learning the administrative side of running a business while also ensuring customers were happy.

“At the end of 1973, I was able to have a very small break and take stock of what had happened,” Basil says.

“I thought why have I got Gino’s name on the building? It should be my name above the door.

“So I suggested to the bank I would like to change the name to reflect the new ownership and in no uncertain terms, I was told if I did that, they wanted their money back as I had only bought the goodwill that came with the Gino’s name,” Basil explained.

Hence, over 50 years after taking over the business, the Hampton Street building still proudly wears Gino’s Panel and Paint signage and Basil Scagliotta often finds himself in the position of answering to the name Gino!

LEFT: Basil Scagliotta.

BELOW: Gino’s Panel and Paint has always been a supporter of many local sporting groups and charities.

were very trying, with work hard to come by if you weren’t in cahoots with certain sectors of the tow truck industry and some staffing issues which could have bankrupted him had it not ended favourably through arbitration.

However, by the mid-2000s things were looking up and Basil was ready to throw himself into the fire again.

A very forward thinking business owner, he was keen to revolutionise the traditional way insurance companies worked with panel and paint suppliers and he began promoting the concept of ‘rapid repairs’ for smaller jobs.

“I persuaded one insurance company to let me trial my concept for a couple of years,” Basil said, outlining that

the business model is based on self assessment and applying the known average cost to repair a damaged but drivable car.

“I said forget about getting your assessors involved with these sorts of jobs,” Basil explained. “I promised to fix the car within the average cost or less and without the requirement for insurance assessment, a job that might ordinarily have taken a week or so to complete under the old system could be done a couple of days.

“It’s a very good business model because the time between lodgement of a claim and closure is reduced which is great for the insurance company and, at the end of the day, the best outcome for their policy holders.

“It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to convince some of those in the industry that this is a win

win scenario for all parties, and I certainly made a few enemies along the way, but I persevered because I believe this is a very sensible way to operate,” Basil said.

Despite upsetting some in the industry with this new approach, approximately eight panel and paint shops within the metropolitan area are now employing the ‘rapid repair’ model and several other insurance companies have also seen the merits of self assessment.

This is just one example Basil’s life long dedication to the motor trades. A former Board member and President of the MTA WA as well as a member of many panel and paint working groups both within Western Australia and nationally, Basil has had a huge impact on the industry he has consistently championed, not the least being his commitment to the apprenticeship system.

‘‘Providing training opportunities is vitally important because the young apprentices are the lifeblood and future of our industry.

Basil Scagliotta, Gino’s Panel and Paint

“There has never been a day in over 50 years of operating this business that we have not had apprentices and we have probably been Western Australia’s most proactive supporter of training in this industry,” said Basil proudly.

“Providing these opportunities is vitally important because the young apprentices are the lifeblood and future of our industry.

“People complain that it’s hard to get good staff which, of course, is true if you don’t put the time and effort into training people in the way you want the job to be done.

“You certainly don’t want them just sweeping the floor and washing the cars. What’s the point? You’ve wasted the opportunity to have a future great employee,” he said.

Explaining that Gino’s has always promoted apprenticeships as a career pathway rather than just a trade, Basil said he encouraged people to view their qualification as a stepping stone to the endless opportunities offered within the motor trades industry. “As an apprentice you just need to have an open mind to those possibilities because when opportunities for progression come up, employers are much more likely to promote from within the organisation,” Basil said, outlining

that current Gino’s manger and recipient of the 2023 Australian Body Shop Manager of the Year Award, Joe Ricciardi, was once an apprentice under his tutelage.

Many other former appentices have been recipients of major awards both at a local level and nationally.

Gino’s has also been proactive in finding new ways to attract young people to the industry, including filming a series of social media videos promoting the industry and inviting school age kids and their parents to presentation evenings and workshop tours.

“Any kid who shows genuine interest is given some paid work experience and if they then want to pursue this as a career and have demonstrated the right attitude, we start their apprenticeship journey through the MTA WA,” he said, outlining that this soft introduction has proved to be quite successful.

Allowing apprentices to experience every aspect of the industry was also critical as “once they discover where their strengths lie and what they really like, they will thrive.”

As a great advocate for the Apprentice Employment Services arm of the MTA WA, Gino’s is currently training eight people.

Basil, of course, is a great example of where an apprenticeship can eventually lead and his personal journey is reflected when he says “without apprentices in your business, you’re probably never going to get out of it for it creates the ideal opportunity for succession.”

After successfully growing the business, Basil passed the reigns over to son Aaron, the MTA WA’s 2023 Automotive Excellence Award recipient and another industry stalwart, in 2018.

Aaron completed his apprenticeship at Gino’s and has now firmly made his own impression on the industry with the establishment last year of Australia’s first dedicated electric vehicle panel and paint repair shop, Reneew.

“Aaron, like me, was also thrown in at the deep end but he is very smart, very diligent and very good with business and while I will still provide advice if required, the future is very much in his hands,” Basil said.

“Reflecting back on my time in the motor trades, I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey, and even though some of the challenges we’ve faced along the way were daunting, we’ve come out the other side stronger than ever.”

Acknowledging that he could have not have made a success of Gino’s without constant support from his wife and business partner Rosie, Basil said that they were now both enjoying the fruits of their labour in retirement.

“I have never been busier or happier,” he says with a smile.

Gino’s Manager, Joe Ricciardi, was named Manager of the Year in the 2023 Body Shop Awards, Australia’s premier panel and paint industry recognition program.

‘‘IF I COULD OWN ANY CAR...

Adam Harvey Director, Como Panel and Paint

38 foot Custom Thomas BOAT...

My life has been inextricably linked with Como Panel and Paint, the business founded by my father Paul in 1988, since I first did work experience there in year 10. Now, some 30 years later, I’m still here!

My brother Jason and I bought the business from dad in 2016 and since that time I’ve been involved in not only running the business, but in representing and helping the industry as a member of the MTA WA Repair Division, along with other industry bodies.

While I very much enjoy my work, everyone has to have an outside passion and a hobby and mine is boats –particularly fast boats and racing!

The family has always been into boats and even though I’ve personally only been racing for about eight years, dad has been involved since the late 1970s. He got back into it about 20 years ago and I guess my passion came from standing on the shore watching him compete with the WA Speedboat Club.

The boat I’ve been racing over the last eight years

is a 15.8 Everingham hull with a 5.7litre LS1 Chev engine in the back. We race in the 95mph class, so named because we are GPS monitored and disqualified if the speed exceeds that limit. Needless to say we’re achieving around 93 to 94mph!! We’re usually at the pointy end of field and I did win the State Championship in 2022.

Last year I took the plunge and moved up to the 6 litre unlimited class in dad’s old boat, True Blue. We’re now starting to talk numbers of around 140mph or 225km/h if you prefer.

It’s a totally different experience and a great new challenge as I had got to point where I knew the 95mph boat so well that, while still incredibly exhilarating, I was just a little too ‘comfortable’.

Stepping up from my old open deck boat into True Blue is a whole new world. For a start, it takes a little bit of time to gain the same level of confidence when you’re going 40 to 50mph quicker thanks to a 900hp Dodge NASCAR engine providing the power. But perhaps the biggest difference is the closed cockpit and the constricted feeling this brings.

Any boat capable of over 100mph must now legally have a safety cell with a roll cage. I’m strapped into the seat with a ‘H’ harness, connected to the team via radio and hooked up to an air tank with about 15 minutes of air available should anything go catastrophically wrong. This level of safety was introduced a few years ago after a couple of deadly accidents in the Eastern States.

We get to those speeds while running a circular course that is 600 metres long with two turn bouys at either end. Races are held by the WA Speedboat Club on the Swan River opposite the casino every second Sunday of the month, eight months of the year.

So ….. to the dream boat. Well, it can’t just be one!! For starters, I’ve got to have the race boat for the obvious reason that I just love going fast on water.

True Blue is that boat as I’m very happy with everything I have in that space. But you can’t take the family to Rottnest or to do a spot of fishing on the race boat so there has to be the pleasure craft for everyone to enjoy. I’ve got three children, two boys and a girl, and at every opportunity, we are out on the water or at the beach. We do a lot of fishing, diving and snorkelling and if we don’t have the white sand under our feet, it feels a little bit wrong.

So my dream boat has to be big enough for us to enjoy all sorts of water activities and something we can all sleep on. And it has to be fast and powerful. So, at this stage in my life, I would love a 38 foot Custom Thomas craft with twin 300 outboards.

That would tick all the boxes and hopefully it’s not too far away!

With Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish

Buckle up for changes to used vehicle sales

The State Government is driving change to make Western Australian roads safer by protecting used car buyers from a purchase they will later regret.

Amendments to the Motor Vehicle Dealers (Sales) Regulations 1974 (WA) (Regulations) are underway with changes to come into effect on 7 June 2024.

To prepare for the changes, Consumer Protection and the MTA WA are encouraging all industry members to read about the changes being made to the current Regulations on the Consumer Protection website at www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au (search ‘motor vehicle industry bulletins’).

The amendments, including the use of new prescribed forms, are explained in more detail over the next pages. Until then, please continue to use the current forms.

Why have these changes been made?

Repairable write-off disclosure - Requiring dealers to disclose to prospective buyers if a vehicle they are selling is listed on the written-off vehicle register as a repairable write-off was a recommendation in the Department’s review of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 and the Motor Vehicle Repairers Act 2003.   Consumers will benefit as this additional disclosure will help make an informed purchasing decision.

Changes to prescribed forms - Listing the vehicle particulars that must be disclosed, and amending the prescribed forms, ensures the requirements reflect current industry practice and makes clear the requirements that apply to the sale of all second hand vehicles.

Vehicle sale contract pre-estimated damages - Consumer Protection has continued to receive complaints from consumers about dealers attempting to automatically charge the maximum 5% pre-estimated damages without regard to the dealer’s actual or anticipated loss.  This small change will protect consumers by making it clear to all dealers of second hand vehicles that any amount claimed by a dealer must be a genuine estimate of loss arising from the breach of the contract.

Repairable write-off disclosure

Repairable write-off (RWO) means the car has sustained damage which has been repaired but will need to pass a roadworthiness check before it can be returned to the road.

There is currently no legal obligation for a dealer to proactively disclose the history of a car, including if the car is an RWO.

When the Regulations come into effect on 7 June 2024, dealers must disclose whether a vehicle they sell has been listed as a repairable writeoff on the written-off vehicle register. This disclosure will be included on the revised Form 4 (see below for more information).

A penalty of $2,000 will apply for failure to make this disclosure, and any false or misleading statement or representation on the sale form (Form 4 – vehicle particulars) displayed on the car will attract a fine of $5,000.

The new regulations will help address the growing numbers of consumers who unknowingly purchase used cars that have been written-off and repaired, with complaints to Consumer Protection tripling since 2020.

A RWO is not always a good or safe investment, especially for families, and may have very little resale value once the RWO status is known. It can also mean potential safety concerns further down the road.

Making it illegal for dealers to not disclose this information will go a long way in helping consumers buy cars that are safe and fit for purpose. It will also reduce the number of RWOs being sold to unsuspecting buyers. This will help build trust between consumers and dealers through added transparency.

Blake

Changes to Form 4 –Vehicle Particulars

As you know, Form 4 – Vehicle Particulars contains important information about a vehicle for prospective purchasers to know before deciding whether to buy a vehicle. You must use the new Form 4 for every second hand vehicle, including motor cycles, and complete the new ‘Yes/No’ tick box on Form 4 to indicate whether the vehicle is:

• a repairable write-off (referenced above)

• covered by a statutory warranty. Form 4 will no longer include the explanation about the statutory warranty for a used car or motor cycles. Instead, a dealer must give a purchaser a separate information statement (refer Form 5A below) about the statutory warranty.

It will continue to be a requirement that all details on the Form 4 are completed and that the date of sale and odometer reading at time of sale are inserted in Form 4 when the vehicle is sold.

Statutory warranty information statements

Before a dealer sells a second hand vehicle, the dealer must give the purchaser an information statement regarding the existence and nature of the statutory warranty under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973, if any, that applies to the vehicle.

The statutory warranty information statements will change with the amendments. The new prescribed forms are:

• A new Form 5A – Information statement – statutory warranty for vehicles that are covered by the statutory warranty. The Form 5A must include the applicable illustration ‘The Used Car Warranty’ or ‘The Used Bike Warranty’.

• An amended Form 6 –Information statement – no statutory warranty for vehicles that are not covered by a statutory warranty.

The use of Form 5 – Notice of defects excluded from warranty is largely unchanged. Small changes have been made to delete the reference to a ‘Chassis No’, refer to mileage as “kms/miles”, and an update to the Department’s web address.

FAQ

Vehicle sale contract

The vehicle sale contract sets out that a dealer may seek damages up to, but not exceeding, 5% of the purchase price of the vehicle as damages for the purchaser’s breach of the contract. This will not change.

Clause 8 of the vehicle sale contract has been amended to insert a new clause which states that any amount sought by the dealer when the purchaser breaches the contract must be a genuine estimate of the dealer’s loss. When the changes commence all vehicle sale contracts must include the amended clause 8.

The following FAQs are intended to provide dealers with practical guidance on the use of the new forms.

What is the size of the Form 4?

The Form 4 must be printed, typed, or written in a clear and legible manner. The Regulations no longer specify any minimum dimensions for Form 4.

How do I use the Form 4 if I sell a motor cycle?

The Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 specifies that Form 4 should be attached to a motor cycle in a way and place to ensure the details of the Form 4 are clearly visible. The Form 4 has been streamlined so that it can be printed and attached to a second hand motor cycle.

How and when should I give the information statement to the purchaser?

The information statement must be given to the purchaser before you sell the vehicle. The vehicle is considered sold once the purchaser and dealer have signed the vehicle sale contract. This means there is some flexibility for dealers who may wish to combine the forms or provide the forms as a ‘packet’ of documents to the purchaser.

The engine number is difficult to locate. Can I list the engine number based on paperwork I obtained with the vehicle?

The engine number that must be disclosed in Form 4 is the engine number of the engine currently in the vehicle, regardless of what might be recorded on any registration forms or other paperwork obtained by the dealer. If you choose to rely on the engine number recorded on the vehicle’s paperwork, and that number is incorrect because the engine has been replaced, you will have inserted a false particular in the Form 4.

Where can I read the new Regulations?

The amended Motor Vehicle Dealers (Sales) Regulations 1974 will be available on the WA Legislation website (www.legislation.wa.gov.au) when the changes come into effect on 7 June, 2024.

An advance copy is available on the Consumer Protection website at www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au (search ‘motor vehicle industry bulletins’).