18 December 2020

Information sharing motoring ahead

The Morrison Government has continued to progress reforms to establish a level playing field for all participants in the automotive service and repair sector, increasing competition and consumer choice.

Today, legislation for the mandatory motor vehicle service and repair information sharing scheme has been released for consultation.

Each year motor vehicle servicing and repair injects $23 billion into our economy, with nearly 35,000 businesses employing over 106,000 Australians.

The new scheme is designed to ensure appropriate commercial dealings and improved competition in the service and repair market for the benefit of both businesses and consumers.

The scheme will mandate that all service and repair information car manufacturers share with their dealership networks in Australia must also be made available for independent repairers and registered trading organisations to purchase at a fair market price.

It also contains provisions to help ensure information is accessible and affordable.

The Morrison Government has been working with industry stakeholders, who are signatories to the current voluntary information sharing agreement, to develop the scheme.

Importantly, a joint industry-led organisation will be established and it is intended that it will assist with the mediation of disputes and report on the scheme’s operation. This will ensure manufacturers, repairers and consumers have a voice in helping to keep the scheme effective and relevant.

The Government will carefully consider feedback from the upcoming consultation and will work to settle final legislation in the first half 2021, with the scheme to come into effect on 1 July 2022, subject to passage through Parliament.

Interested parties are invited to comment on this consultation, with submissions due by 31 January 2021.

More information is available on the Treasury website