Premier

Backing Vehicle Repair Information Sharing

02 May 2019

The Andrews Labor Government is backing a national scheme for the sharing of vehicle repair and service information, to give Victorian vehicle owners and automotive service businesses a fairer deal.

In its submission to the Federal Government’s public consultation process, the Labor Government backed an effective and strong national scheme that will give independent automotive repair and service businesses access to the same vehicle information as dealer-aligned workshops.

Sadly, the minority Morrison Government failed to act on this issue for five years and left it to the last minute. Since the consultation process closed in March, nothing has happened.

Currently, many of Victoria’s 10,000 independent automotive businesses face difficulties in accessing information from vehicle manufacturers to efficiently repair and service vehicles.

An effective national scheme will level the playing field for smaller operators, boost competition in the automotive repair market and save Victorian vehicle owners time and money by giving them a greater range of repair and service options.

The Labor Government’s submission is part of its ongoing work to help improve fairness for Victoria’s small businesses, helping them to grow and thrive.

Victoria has seen solid growth in its small business sector, with an increase of more than 27,000 small businesses in the year to June 2018. This represents growth of 4.8 per cent – the highest of any Australian state or territory.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business Adem Somyurek

“We support a fairer deal for car owners and independent automotive service and repair businesses.”

“Better access to vehicle service information will remove unnecessary red tape for small businesses – helping car owners and independent mechanics to get a fair go.”

“It is clear that by doing nothing for five years the minority Morrison Government has failed to stick up for car owners and independent mechanics.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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