Motor Trades Association of Australia

A big thank you to the Motor Trade Association of SA/NT for hosting the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Australia (CVIAA) committee meeting at their Royal Park training centre last week in Adelaide. As a national committee of the Motor Trades Association of Australia, CVIAA's policy agenda is a key focus, with particular emphasis on working with the Australian Government to refine the Heavy Vehicle National Law. Our CEO, Matthew Hobbs, was pleased to attend and support these efforts. The meeting was highly productive, with industry members and state MTAs discussing the critical issues facing the heavy vehicle sector. We look forward to further collaboration in 2025 as discussions around heavy vehicles in Australia intensify. #CVIAA #HeavyVehicleIndustry #MTAA #Collaboration #Advocacy

As the federal election approaches, we’re focused on advocating for meaningful changes that empower automotive businesses. One key priority: Updating and strengthening the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct. With around 4,500 body repairers across Australia, many face challenges due to unfair demands from insurers, creating an imbalance that impacts businesses and their customers alike. The MTAA, which we are a member of, is calling for a mandatory national code to ensure fair practices and level the playing field. Discover more about the Government request here - https://lnkd.in/g2-57yTp #mtansw #mtaa #automotiveindustry #policymatters #fairrepair

This month, the Motor Trades Association of Australia headed to Perth for the Motor Trade Association of Western Australia AGM. Our CEO, Matthew Hobbs, shared insights on how the MTAA is collaborating with MTA WA and its members to tackle the industry's biggest challenges. Key focus areas included the soon to commence New Vehicle Efficiency Standard and the EV transition, and how we’re preparing businesses for the future of the automotive sector. A big thank you to MTA WA for inviting us to join! You're doing an amazing job representing your Western Australian automotive members. #MTAWA #EVTransition #NVES #ElectricVehicles #SustainableTransport #MTAA

A busy week in Western Australia for the Motor Trades Association of Australia! Last month, the MTAA had a jam-packed week of engagement across WA, connecting with members and tackling key issues facing the Australian automotive industry. Here's a recap: 🔹 Strategic workshop in Perth – CEOs from state MTAs and VACC gathered to discuss major industry challenges including skills shortages, the relationship between smash repairers and insurers, franchising, end-of-life vehicles, and the transition to electric vehicles. Big thanks to Stephen Moir (MTAWA) for hosting! 🔹 EV Body Repair focus – PETER COUPLAND owner of Bowra Panel & Paint, hosted the MTAA and MTA/VACC CEOs at his impressive EV body repair facility in Osborne Park. The discussion focused on the opportunities and challenges of EVs, skills development and the critical relationship with insurers. 🔹 Tour of Bruce Rock Engineering – The MTAA CEO visited Bruce Rock Engineering to discuss the thriving heavy vehicle manufacturing sector and the importance of national vehicle standards, particularly for the mining sector. Thanks to Damion Verhoogt, Keenan Verhoogt, Brenton Verhoogt, and David Newcombe for the insightful tour! 🔹 Capricorn Society ‘State of the Nation’ launch – A fantastic opportunity to attend the launch of the Capricorn Society's report with CEO David Fraser and incoming CEO Bradley Gannon. We also met 2024 Capricorn Rising Star Megan Toia, a second-year apprentice from rural WA. 🔹 JTW Autoparts visit – Our CEO visited Jtw Autoparts' new facility in East Rockingham, highlighting the importance of well-run second-hand parts operations. Discussions centred on end-of-life vehicle policies and consumer confidence. 🔹 MTAWA engagement – A productive meeting with the Motor Trade Association of Western Australia team, focusing on WA-specific issues like attracting and retaining skilled workers, the reliance on 4x4s and utes, and ensuring WA's concerns are heard at the national level. A huge thanks to all who hosted and contributed to a week of productive discussions and valuable insights! We’re committed to addressing the issues that matter most to our members. #MTAA #WA #AutomotiveIndustry #ElectricVehicles #SkillsShortage #SmashRepair #Franchising #EndOfLifeVehicles #NationalPolicy

A very insightful report from the US co authored by the very smart Elaine Buckberg Given Australia’s long distances and similar vehicle preferecences there is lots to learn from the US experience even with our wildly different population sizes. #ev #charging

Thank you to the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance for recognising the vital contribution of motor retail trades to the automotive sector and including the Motor Trades Association of Australia on your board. Our CEO, Matthew Hobbs, is eager to begin this role and share his insights on the rapidly evolving automotive landscape, particularly as it navigates the challenges in meeting current and future skills and labour needs. https://lnkd.in/gYeVVfsZ

As part of our response to proposed luxury car tax amendments, the Motor Trades Association of Australia has made a strong case to abolish the LCT or at least pause any changes that would exclude hybrid and plug-in vehicles from current concessions. The automotive landscape has shifted dramatically since the LCT's inception, with the rise of imports and SUVs reshaping the market. The LCT should be removed altogether or at least updated to reflect these changes. Currently, motor vehicles are the only items in Australia subjected to a luxury tax, while other luxury goods like jewelry and yachts escape this burden. This creates a discriminatory measure against the automotive industry and disproportionately affects consumers who choose higher-end vehicles. Given the removal of the LCT is the short term is unlikely given it represents a substantial revenue source (around $840 million in 2024-25), we believe the Australian Government's proposal to halve the maximum fuel consumption threshold for fuel efficient vehicles to 3.5 litres per 100km should be delayed. This move will only slow zero and low emission vehicle uptake, contradicting the intent of the Government’s Electric Vehicle Strategy. Our submission 👉 https://lnkd.in/gYpM37hg

A great wrap-up of the The Australian Financial Review Energy Summit in Sydney this week. The conference was filled with optimism about Australia's pathway towards net zero, signaling a bright future for the country's energy sector and the fuels it will supply zero emission vehicles - whether it's green electricity, hydrogen or e-fuels. A big thanks to the AFR for featuring our CEO, Matthew Hobbs in the renewable fuels panel session. #AFREnergySummit #NetZero #SustainableFuture

Today, our CEO, Matthew Hobbs joined a lively panel session on 'The State of the Renewable Fuels Market', at the The Australian Financial Review Energy Summit in Sydney.   Matt was delighted to share the stage with Fiona Messent, Acting Chief Sustainability Officer, Qantas, Robert Spurway, MD & CEO, GrainCorp and Matt Halliday, MD & CEO, Ampol.   Facilitated by Ayesha de Kretser, Senior Reporter at the AFR, the discussion covered the roadmap to a net zero transport, aviation, and mobility sector and the transition to sustainable fuels such as renewable diesel and SAF.   Matt spoke to international trends including the e-fuel exemption for new cars in Europe from 2035 and its potential implications for Australia’s e-fuel market and future vehicle mix.   A fantastic opportunity to share perspectives with thought leaders and innovators in this important space. Thanks to the AFR for the opportunity!   #RenewableFuels #Sustainability #NetZero #Innovation

Skills at the forefront of EV transition 👨🔧 ⚡   Yesterday, we welcomed members from the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water’s inquiry into the transition to electric vehicles to the MTA Training and Employment Centre after we gave evidence at the committee’s public hearing.   During the tour, Committee Chair Tony Zappia MP, Deputy Chair Dr David Gillespie MP, and committee member Dan Repacholi MP spoke with technicians upskilling to work on electric vehicles, and learned more about why we are nation leaders in electric vehicle training.