Australia’s independent automotive repairers have received official validation of their push for fair access to vehicle service information, with a Federal Government review confirming the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme is delivering genuine competition and consumer choice.
The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) says the Final Report of the Review supports the industry’s position and demonstrates the scheme should now be extended to heavy vehicles, motorcycles and agricultural machinery.
VACC Chief Executive Officer Peter Jones said the report’s findings aligned closely with the evidence provided by independent repairers during the review process.
“The report confirms the information sharing scheme is working as intended – improving competition, supporting independent workshops and delivering greater choice for motorists,” Mr Jones said.
“These outcomes validate what VACC and our members have consistently advocated for. The scheme has created a more level playing field while maintaining the viability of independent repair businesses across the country.”
VACC made a detailed submission to the review drawing on extensive feedback from repairers across Victoria and nationally. Mr Jones said the report’s assessment of improved competition, productivity and consumer choice directly reflected the evidence VACC provided.
The report also examined the economic contribution of independent repairers and the role access to service and repair information plays in sustaining competition in the automotive sector.
Mr Jones said while the review’s scope was focused on the current scheme’s operation, the positive findings made a compelling case for broader reform.
“We appreciate the review was not tasked with examining expansion of the scheme, however the success demonstrated in this report makes it critical that government now look at extending coverage to other industry sectors including; motorcycles, heavy vehicles and agricultural machinery,” he said.
“These sectors support thousands of regional and specialist repairers and face identical information access barriers without the same regulatory protections.”
He said expanding the scheme would ensure consistent standards across the automotive sector and support the viability of businesses servicing Australia’s commercial and agricultural vehicle fleets.
“The independent repair sector has demonstrated it can compete effectively when given fair access to information,” Mr Jones said.
“Government should now build on this success by ensuring the same principles apply across all vehicle categories. That would deliver better outcomes for businesses, regional communities and vehicle owners right across the transport sector.”