Australian Automotive Right To Repair Passes The Senate

Australian Automotive Right To Repair Passes The Senate

The new law will make it illegal for car companies to withhold repair information from qualified independent mechanics.

The Australian consumer is the big winner from today’s passing by the Senate of the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme Bill.

Following nearly a decade of campaigning by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the new law will make it illegal for car companies to withhold information from qualified independent mechanics – keeping the cost of replacement parts, vehicle maintenance and repair affordable.

The CEO of the AAAA, Stuart Charity, said the mandatory scheme will require all motor vehicle service and repair information to be made available for purchase by independent repairers at a fair market price.

“It has been a long time coming but will be welcome news for the automotive industry. We started campaigning for this law a decade ago and have been through two government inquiries and even through a voluntary agreement in 2014 which was a complete failure,” he said.

The new law is designed to provide a fairer playing field for the repair and service of the 74 automotive brands available in Australia in an industry worth $23 billion annually.

In Australia, the motor vehicle service and repair industry involves nearly 35,000 businesses employing more than 106,000 Australians.

Charity said around one in 10 motor vehicles taken to repair workshops are affected by a lack of access to service and repair information. “This can often lead to higher service costs for consumers,” he said. “What this law means is that the service and repair information that car manufacturers share with their dealership network must also be made available to independent repairers.”

Charity singled out the Federal Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar. “He has personally steered this through Government, and we thank him for his leadership.”

This new law is the result of unprecedented industry cooperation with more than 75 workshops hosting visits from their local MPs to demonstrate what happens when vehicle manufacturers withhold software updates and technical service bulletins. Charity said, “We don’t have a very politicized membership and for our small owner operated workshops to get on board with direct emails and contact with their local MP is the best indicator we have that this is important to our members and to their customers.”

The new scheme will be monitored for compliance by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

You May Also Like

Scania Accelerates Deployment of Autonomous Hub-to-Hub Transport

As part of TRATON Group, Scania will begin integrating Level 4 fully autonomous technology in vehicles.

Scania Accelerates Deployment of Autonomous Hub-to-Hub Transport

Scania is expanding its strategic development of autonomous hub-to-hub transport solutions, with the launch of an Autonomous Commercial Pilot Program. As part of TRATON Group, Scania will also be involved in a new partnership with US-based Plus, which will integrate its Level 4, fully autonomous SuperDrive technology stack into Scania and TRATON Group vehicles.  The Scania Autonomous Commercial Pilot Program is part of an increased focus on establishing customer-driven testing to demonstrate hub-to-hub technology, and creating scalable operational concepts that deliver real value in customers' operations. 

Turkish Automotive Industry: 2023 Review, 2024 Outlook

Suheyl Baybali takes a look back and a look forward at the automotive industry in Turkey.

Turkish Automotive Industry: 2023 Review, 2024 Outlook
Fix Network Appoints Nick Spiers as VP of Strategic Operations

Spiers will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the strategic planning and execution of global operational initiatives.

Nick Spiers FIX Network
GSF Car Parts Launches New Wembley Branch

The new branch joins 13 others in the greater London area.

GSF Car Parts Launches New Wembley Branch
Eaton Continues Expansion in EMEA

Eaton recently received two grants from the Czech Republic to fund innovative mobility projects.

Other Posts

Auto Care Voices Support for FTC, DOJ Comments on Right to Repair

The agencies asserted that renewing and expanding repair-related exemptions would promote competition in markets for replacement parts, repair and maintenance services.

bill hanvey right to repair
Li Auto Selects Hesai as LiDAR Supplier

This technology “greatly improves intelligent driving systems’ obstacle detection, enabling vehicles to quickly respond to unpredictable road conditions,” Li Auto said.

Li Auto Selects Hesai as LiDAR Supplier
NaaS Technology, Geely Collaborate on EV Charging Services

The partnership will enable Geely Auto to further improve its charging service network and ease the charging of Geely EVs.

NaaS Technology, Geely Collaborate on EV Charging Services
India Customs and Global Trade Challenges

Krishna Barad discusses the emerging trade compliance and background on “Make in India,” among other topics.

India Customs and Global Trade Challenges