The Professional Circle’s ethical standards are fused into our culture and values representing to consumers a commitment to accountability, transparency and professionalism in business dealings. It seems longer, but the Professional Circle is coming up to its third birthday in October having been launched by President David Fraser at the 2015 Annual Industry Dinner.
At a time of diminishing public trust in the nation’s civic and private institutions and corporations, the ethical compact which is the essence of the Professional Circle indicates to stakeholders and consumers alike that integrity is integral to the way the Association functions and members operate in their businesses. The ethical compact encapsulates the industry standards of Honesty, Professionalism, Transparency, Courtesy, Integrity, Care, Clarity, Proactivity, Accountability and Compliance which form the Professional Circle’s ten commitments.
Important is the branding that underpins the Professional Circle and is unique to MTA Queensland members. Simply, the branding infers a clear distinction between MTA Queensland members ‘inside’ of the Circle and non-members who are ‘outside’ of the Circle. It acts as vital credentials representing the benchmark of industry standards that make the difference for consumers dealing with a business in the motor trades. A member business displaying the ethical compact as well as advertising the ‘Certified 10/10 Professional Member’ status provides evidence to consumers of the commitment to the highest standard of professionalism.
From my perspective, with responsibility for the delivery of services to the membership, the Professional Circle is a guarantee that you, as a Member, will receive the wide range of invaluable services and benefits provided by MTA Queensland. The Professional Circle is entrenched in our Strategic Plan with the goal that it be recognised by industry, key stakeholders and consumers.
From the feedback we’ve received we are on target to achieve that aim. I trust that you have on display the Professional Circle certification in your business indicating your commitment to the ethical compact and membership of the MTA Queensland.
Training
Over the recent school holidays the MTA Institute (MTAI), at its training facility, initiated and organised an Auto Camp to introduce high school students to the automotive industry. The objective was to provide a course to students with a general overview of the industry and to provide understanding of smart career choices open to them. In addition, they participated in basic ‘hands-on’ activities such as working on engines, repairing damaged vehicle bodies, and tinkering with car design and electronics. Some thirty students enrolled in the course and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The MTAI will offer the Auto Camp again, with the next course on September 25-27. during the school holidays.
Whilst thinking about training, the MTA Institute is one of 24 providers of the Federal Government’s Industry Specialist Mentoring for Australian Apprentices (ISMAA) program for the automotive value chain. Its focus is to support apprentices and trainees facing challenges or difficulties in their personal life to achieve their trade qualifications through specialised and skilled mentoring. The program has been in effect since 1 July 2017 and runs for two years.
The objective is to increase retention rates to 75 per cent of apprentices finishing their training from the current lowly 40 per cent – the majority abandoning their apprenticeship within two years. In ISMAA’s first-year, MTAI skilled mentors have helped hundreds of apprentices and trainees to build successful relationships and to achieve in their chosen trade. Most pleasing was the Courier Mail story on the ISMAA program and benefits to apprentices following an interview with Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Brett Dale.
Advocacy
Underway is a submission to the Senate Select Committee on Electric Vehicles inquiry into the use and manufacture of electric vehicles in Australia. The terms of reference are wide, enabling mention of our investment in and establishment of the innovation hub – the MTA Innovation Queensland (MTAiQ). Pending too is a submission to the Queensland Parliament Transport and Public Works Committee inquiry into Transport Technology identifying trends and changes in fuel type usage in the sectors of personal, freight and public transport. I’d be pleased to receive your views in relation to fuel type usage. That submission is due on 28 August so there is time for any input.
As I prepare this column, an Australian Treasury consultation paper on actions to reform and modernise the Australian Business Number (ABN) system has emerged in the in-box. This is in response to the Black Economy Taskforce findings that participants in the black economy are using the ABN system to facilitate their activities to avoid taxation. In due course, I’ll be making a response on your behalf.
We’ve been invited by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to provide preliminary feedback to a Heavy Vehicle Road User Working Group. This is in response to the increase in major infrastructure development and heavy vehicle movements and a need to reasonably manage the risk from interaction between heavy vehicles and vulnerable road users – bicycle riders, the aged and general pedestrians. This is especially the case in inner city and urban environments.
In May’s Viewpoint I referred to our submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics Inquiry into impediments to business investment in Australia. As a consequence, Dr Brett Dale has been invited to give evidence before the Committee. Whilst its focus is on the cost of the regulatory frameworks across all governments on business, it provides another opportunity for MTA Queensland to stress to Government the high operating and compliance obligations costs of doing business in the automotive industry.
In terms of regulations, the Institute of Public Affairs estimates the cost of red-tape to the economy by all levels of government was an estimated at $176 billion per year. Here in Queensland, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry March quarter Pulse Survey of Other Operating Costs Index measured 68.6 points, a level which indicates businesses are facing strong cost increases. Compared to a year ago, the index increased 2.4 points with the proportion of businesses reporting higher costs. A major issue for businesses across Queensland is affordable and secure energy supply.
Finally
With daylight saving soon to commence in the southern states (first and second week in October), it’s again back on the business agenda for debate. A recent Australian Industry Group national survey showed that 72 per cent of the businesses surveyed supported daylight saving being introduced across Queensland. A further 13 per cent supported two different summer times zones within the State. In other words, 85 per cent in total support changing the status quo. As it has been some time since we discussed the subject I’d be keen to hear members’ views.
There are two social occasions on the MTA Queensland calendar which should be highlighted in your diaries. The first is the Annual Industry Dinner on Saturday, 10 November at W Brisbane, 81 North Quay. This is when we join with stakeholders to enjoy camaraderie and celebrate industry, training and industry excellence. Members have asked that it be semi-formal, and it is. Now in its fifth year, I can assure it is worth ‘dressing up’ for. The other, which calls for golfing attire, is the 69th Annual Motor Trades Golf Tournament on Friday 5th October at the Virginia Golf Club.
Entries close by 4pm on the 27th September. Whilst the competition can be robust, it too is about camaraderie. More details on registration and sponsorship are on the website.
Until, next month take care and stay safe.