Advocacy Activities

In February 2018 the Fuel Policy Section of the Department of The Environment and Energy of the Australian Government released a draft regulation impact statement proposing improvements to fuel standards under the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000. These changes are designed to bring Australia’s fuel quality into line with international standards, to improve fuel quality to reduce noxious emissions, ensure engine operability and facilitate better engine technology.

MTAA and ASSCSA developed a response that outlined a preference for Option F (of the policy options proposed by Government) as it has the minimum impact on fuel retailers in terms of costs and disruption. MTAA and ASSCSA also sort assurances that any increased regulatory costs imposed as a result of changes to fuel standards will be borne by fuel manufacturers and suppliers to the fuel retail outlet and not the fuel retail outlet and that retail outlets will not be liable for the incorrect use of fuel due to consumer confusion in relation to changing fuel standards.

To access the Government’s Regulatory Impact Statement outlining the policy options proposed by Government please access the following link:Download . pdf 

To access MTAA’s submission to Government on changes to Australia’s fuel standards please access the following link: Download . pdf 

On 8 August 2017, MTAA in conjunction with its member state and territory associations and Senator Nick Xenophon released a landmark report into the Australian Automotive industry that reaffirms an urgent need for a coordinated whole of industry policy and actions to address current and emerging issues in the Australian automotive industry.

The report, ‘Directions in Australia’s Automotive Industry 2017’ confirms that Government inaction risks the industry’s $37.1 billion (2.2% of Australia’s GDP) annual contribution to the Australian economy.

The report details a true picture of the size and scope of Australia’s automotive industry, the current challenges it faces and emerging opportunities and critical policy areas requiring coordinated planning; and calls for a Senate Inquiry into the Australian automotive industry. It also reveals the impacts of a diminishing labour pool and poor perceptions of automotive professions. It also highlights the rapid deployment of technology, and emerging innovations such as hydrogen and electrical propulsion systems, autonomous vehicles and changing consumer behaviours.

This comprehensive document provides the rationale behind much of the MTAA’s advocacy activities.

Please follow the link below to access the media release.  Download .pdf

To obtain a copy of the actual report and to access report summaries please use the following link: http://www.vacc.com.au/Directions-Report

In September 2017, MTAA provided the ACCC with an in-depth submission highlighting the concerns of MTAA’s member associations and their business members to the ACCC’s New Car Retailing Market Study Interim Report. It also highlighted a number of recommendations for input into the final report due later in 2017

MTAA generally agreed with the focus of the Interim Report on the areas of consumer guarantees and warranties; accessing technical information to service and repair new cars; parts supply; fuel consumption and emissions; and telematics. MTAA also supported suggested actions and recommendations designed to improve consumer awareness, understanding and education of consumer guarantees and manufacturer warranties. Furthermore, MTAA welcomed the draft recommendation and actions that assures a mandated process for access to technical information.

However, MTAA believes the Interim Report has failed to adequately or satisfactorily ‘unpack’ the relationship between motor vehicle manufacturers and their distributors and retail dealers, and dealership agreements.

MTAA also advocated for more investigation to understand the business relationships between insurers and motor body repairers.

Please follow the link below to access MTAA’s submission to the ACCC New Car Retailing Industry Market Study Interim Report September 2017  Download .pdf