New South Wales dealers and the wider auto industry are welcoming reforms to reduce administrative and regulatory barriers.
The state’s innovation and better regulation minister Matt Kean has outlined a series of reforms promising to save businesses $175 million between now and 2028 – changes applauded by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
Changes will include simplified licensing demands of new car dealership and mechanic repair workshop trades people, improvements in trading flexibility such as being able to sell vehicles at trade shows, and reduce the need for court orders to remove abandoned vehicles.
Dealerships will also be allowed to buy and sell vehicles using a single trade licence, instead of than multiple licenses.
Businesses will save money not having to employ over-qualified staff, allowing for more streamlined operations.
“This is all about empowering small businesses and making sure our economy is working for battlers, not the big end of town,” Kean says.
AADA chief executive David Blackhall says it’s a welcome change for the hundreds of family-owned dealer businesses across NSW.
“This package of deregulatory measures will certainly ease the burden on our members,” he says.
“It is great to see some common sense,” Blackhall adds.
“We congratulate the NSW Government for its efforts in reducing red tape and very much appreciate the consultative approach it has taken to these reforms.”
FCAI chief executive Tony Weber says carmakers and their franchised dealers were in need of the reprieve.
“Modern businesses require flexibility to thrive in the ever-changing automotive industry landscape,” he explains.
“Sectors cannot regulate their way to prosperity, and the changes announced by minister Kean will enable innovative and agile businesses to thrive in the modern economy and ultimately benefit consumers in the long run,” he says.
The FCAI says it’s important regulators and government keep up with the fast-moving automotive industry.
“As the industry adapts to new technologies and changing consumer preferences, it is essential that regulatory environments keep pace with these developments,” Weber concludes.
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