There has been understandably significant interest in where we are with the Motor Vehicle Insurance Repair Industry Code (MVIRI), and I want to take a moment to update everyone who follows this page on the progress MTAA and MTAQ have made.
The redevelopment of the MVIRI Code represents a pivotal moment for the sector. As the industry continues to evolve, getting the revision right will create a critical framework for improving practices, enhancing transparency, and fostering collaboration between insurers, and repairers. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to speed up the resolution of disputes and reduce associated costs—an issue that has been long overdue for reform.
A Collaborative Effort: The Importance of Industry Consultation
I cannot stress enough how crucial it is that the MVIRI code is shaped through extensive whole-of-industry consultation.
This will ensure it reflects the diverse needs of the motor vehicle insurance repair sector. Transparency and inclusivity are essential not only for the credibility of the MVIRI code but also for building trust and ownership. With a fair and open consultation process, we can ensure the code drives meaningful change across the industry.
So When Will You See the Draft Code?
The initial working document has been sent back to the lawyers to incorporate the changes agreed upon in negotiations that have been ongoing for months between the MTA and ICA. After the holidays, the MST lawyers will finalize these agreed changes, and once we receive the updated version, we will release the draft code for consultation. I anticipate this will happen in early February, following the holidays.
Alongside the draft code, we will also provide supporting documentation that will explain the changes made. A crucial part of this broad consultation will include face-to-face sessions with the industry across the country, facilitated by MTAQ but open to everyone in the sector.
Governance and Strong Oversight
The Code Administration Committee (CAC), along with the MTAA and MTAQ, has been working closely with the ICA to create a robust consultation draft as well on how the new code will be implemented. This process is designed to ensure the code meets the needs of both repairers and insurers, promoting fairness and transparency. Importantly, an independent chair of the CAC will provide impartial oversight, ensuring that decisions reflect the interests of all stakeholders and are not influenced by any one party.
More Than Just Tweaks—A Significant Rewrite
It is important to note that this is not just a tweaking of the existing code. We are talking about a significant rewrite designed to make a real difference in how the code functions, especially in resolving disputes fairly using independent expert opinion.
Yes, it is taking longer than expected, but we have made significant progress. The work that has gone into this rewrite will result in a code that addresses the real needs of the industry and drives real improvements in how we do business.
The Path So Far: Progress and Negotiation
The MVIRI code is progressing through its development stages, with agreements now in place on the instructions to the drafting lawyers. It has been a process of multiple rounds of negotiation, ensuring that the final code is both relevant and effective in meeting the evolving landscape of the motor vehicle insurance repair industry.
At its core, the MVIRI code is an agreement between repairers and insurers—a document that balances the needs of both sides while improving service delivery, industry transparency, and operational efficiency. This is a negotiated outcome with the intention we create a code that benefits the industry as a whole.
The MTAA, along with AMBRA (Australian Motor Body Repairers Association), has been actively involved in ensuring the negotiations reflect industry realities. The AMBRA input, especially in recent months, has been invaluable in refining the technical aspects of the draft code. Through 15 meetings with the MTAA CAC team, AMBRA representatives, and myself, we have been able to ensure that the draft reflects the concerns of repairers, including fair assessments, repair methods, and dispute resolution.
A Balanced and Transparent Consultation
As we move toward releasing the draft code, the ongoing consultation process is critical to its success, we will then begin whole industry consultation. We are committed to a fair, transparent approach, engaging with everyone in the industry to ensure the final version of the code is the best possible fit for all stakeholders.
Looking Ahead: A Step Forward for the Industry
The rewrite of the MVIRI code has the potential to be a significant step forward for the motor vehicle insurance repair industry. It is a chance to build a structured, standardized framework that improves transparency, drives better practices, and resolves long-standing issues within the sector.
The ongoing consultation and feedback process ensures that this code is not just a technical tool, but a shared commitment to creating a better, more efficient industry for all.
Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for your continued support! If you have any questions, please reach out to MTAQ on (07) 3237 8777 or [email protected].