The Hon. Michael Sukkar MP, Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, has left no doubt as to the priority that the Australian Government has placed on supporting the independent Australian automotive aftermarket industry, during his opening address at the Autocare 2018 Convention on Friday May 4.
“The Government is actively working on the design of a mandatory scheme for the sharing of critical repair and service information with consumers and their choice of repairer, ensuring competition and fairness for Australian consumers,” Mr Sukkar stated.
“I am here at the opening of Autocare 2018 to assure you that this is definitely a priority for the Government,” He added.
Minister Sukkar was joined by Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) President Graham Scudamore-Smith and Autocare 2018 Key Note Speaker, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Chairman (ACCC) Rod Sims, to officially open the largest automotive aftermarket industry event of the year.
Mr Sims supported Minister Sukkar’s comments, which follow recent high profile ACCC enforceable court actions against several major automotive vehicle manufacturers following their comprehensive 18 month study into new car retailing.
“The ACCC, having done the market study, will not now vacate the field. We will continue to engage with stakeholders, including the AAAA, and we will provide advice to the Government to assist in the development of a mandatory scheme for you to get access to the technical information you need to fix cars, and to compete,” Mr Sims stated during the opening Key Note address of Autocare 2018.
According to AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity, efforts to make data sharing mandatory in the Australian automotive aftermarket industry have never been stronger.
“Both Minister Sukkar and Mr Sims’ speeches reflect their commitment to developing the reforms that will protect 16 million Australian car owners along with their freedom of choice in selecting their automotive repairer. After the comments made today in front of hundreds of AAAA members, it is very clear that we are nearing the end of the road to gaining a mandatory code for our industry,” Mr Charity stated.
The opening day of the inaugural Autocare Convention saw thousands of automotive mechanics, technicians, business owners and support staff join more than 100 of the industry’s largest companies and 50 convention speakers taking part in this two day, education-led event held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.
Autocare 2018 continues through Saturday April 5 with free trade expo entry for members of the automotive trade with free mechanical and collision repair training sessions being conducted throughout the day.
