In the time I have been working with our industry divisions – going on for some 18 years – there has been consistency in the issues raised: those currently relevant to the sector and the challenges arising from new policies, regulations and technologies on business operations and competitiveness.
Members’ current issues that require advocacy to government agencies for resolution or policy input – or technical, training or industrial relations advices from the Association – have been and are promptly actioned. That is core to my role and responsibilities as the General Manager of Member Services. To effectively represent the automotive industry’s policy agenda we need direct feedback from our members. Please contact me at any time to contribute to our submissions or reviews.
Advocacy
Group Chief Executive Officer Rod Camm and I met with Office of Fair Trading personnel for our regular scheduled meeting. Included for discussion was the Australian Government’s Exposure Draft Mutual Recognition Amendment Bill 2020 which proposes automatic mutual recognition of occupations across states and territories. We made a submission, drawing attention to the registered/licensed requirements for used motor dealers/wreckers to operate in Queensland which did not apply in other jurisdictions. We urged the early sharing of mutual recognition information across jurisdictions to protect consumers from possible unlawful practices by unlicensed operators working in the state’s motor industry. Over the years, much effort has gone into establishing trust in the used car market. I again draw members’ attention to the MTA Queensland webpage Dob in a Backyarder and the opportunity it provides to enter the details of any perceived illegitimate activities. We will forward it to the Office of Fair Trading.
In breaking news, we have achieved two major advocacy outcomes for industry. MTA Queensland is extremely proud to announce that on the back of extensive lobbying to Government and other key stakeholders, two major changes have been introduced at the State Government level that will provide great benefit to our industry going forward.
The first is the Inquiry on options to improve vehicle standards and safety. After an extended period of discussion on the issue, a motion was agreed to in Queensland Parliament on 24th February that the Transport & Resources Committee will inquire into, and report within six months, on options to improve vehicle standards and safety in Queensland. This inquiry includes issues of longstanding policy contribution of MTAQ Queensland – notably the options to improve vehicle standards and safety in Queensland, in relation to the:
- current Australian vehicle design rules;
- inspection regime for registered vehicles;
- pre-sale certification scheme, including measures to reduce fraud and improve consumer safety;
- management of written-off vehicles and ‘re-birthing’;
- aftermarket vehicle modification framework, including achieving consistency to ensure best alignment with other Australian jurisdictions.
Review of these areas will improve safety for all road users and enhance industry and consumer protection against continued misrepresentation in car sales transactions. Details of the inquiry can be found HERE. We look forward to discussing our submission detail with members which is due on 15th April 2021.
The second piece of news is the review of automotive recycling activities in relation to their Environmentally Relevant Activity classification. This review and change comes following consultation and numerous meetings between the Department of Environment and Science and our Automotive Parts Recyclers Division (APRD) Committee where our members provided insight into current automotive recycling operations and the industry, and requested review and reconsideration of the classification. We appreciate the courtesy extended by the Department and for their extensive engagement and consultation on the concerns raised.
What has changed? The department now considers that activities undertaken by automotive wreckers, where waste is non-putrescible waste, can be regulated as ERA 62 1(a): ERA 62 Resource recovery and transfer facility operation – 1(a) operating a facility for receiving and sorting, dismantling, baling or temporarily storing non-putrescible waste.
This means ERA62 1(b), which is currently the activity on an environmental authority, could be amended by agreement to ERA 62 1(a). Where ERA2 1(b) is the only ERA on the environmental authority and it is changed to ERA 62 1(a), this change of classification results in some substantial savings for our members on their annual fees.
And more on the Waste Management subject. Whilst it seems like yesterday, it is in fact four years since our first Carmageddon symposium. It was established to inform members of emerging technologies including the digital economy to enable business model adaptation; develop and implement strategies; and to innovate and utilise new products to advantage their enterprises. That symposium is as relevant today as it was four years ago. Save the date for Carmageddon 2021 – it will be held on Thursday July 22nd and is the fourth event in MTA Queensland’s series that educate on all aspects of innovation connected to the automotive and mobility industries. A key feature will be Waste Management and recycling innovation and its potential for industry and government. We will be releasing more exciting details on our keynote speakers and panels and more topics over the coming months.
Automotive Parts and Recylers
Industry Division – Waste Management
Next month’s Viewpoint will include the activities of our Automotive Parts and Recyclers Division that have led them to be recycling innovators and to be participating in leading edge research.
Takata Airbags
It is important for members to note the formal recall of vehicles with defect Takata airbags for replacement expired on 31 December. Whilst manufacturers still have a small number of outstanding vehicles to recertify, the recall has now moved to another level for owners who have not heeded the advices to have defect airbags replaced. State and territory governments are now implementing registration sanctions in cases where vehicle owner have ignored manufacturers recall notifications. This means owners will be unable to legally use their vehicles on public roads and may risk their insurance policies if they do.
Finally
Thank you to all members that have attended our recent Industry Division meetings – in particular to all our regional members participating virtually. Your attendance and participation has given us valuable insight in to our Member Services reform agenda and we look forward to continuing the conversation with you. Don’t forget to share your ideas for webinars, services, courses and guest presenters that would be of interest and benefit to your industry Division. The dates for the meetings are published on the website and we encourage members to attend.
Until next month, take care and stay safe.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (March 2021)
10 March 2021