The Australian Automotive Dealer Association secretariat is asking all state governments to consider dealership parts and service departments as an essential service, should further legal restrictions be placed on businesses in the battle to contain the Covid-19 virus.
Currently stage 1 restrictions on social gatherings announced by the prime minister (to be reviewed on a monthly basis), does not restrict any vehicle dealerships from opening for business.
However, this will be considered under stage 2 restrictions, if necessary says the Federal Government.
The AADA request to consider parts and service departments as an essential service, follows an earlier missive sent to state treasurers on March 20, seeking specific support to assist the automotive industry through measures such as stamp duty exemptions for new vehicle sales and payroll tax relief for new car dealers
“At this stage there are no restrictions for Dealers with regards to trading, but we are conscious that Governments may consider extending the current list of businesses required to close,” says AADA chief executive officer James Voortman.
“We are asking all State Governments to consider the Service/Repair Department and Parts Departments of Dealerships as an essential service and therefore exempt from any future shutdowns,” he says.
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