The Australian Government has announced consultation on targeted improvements to the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme, following a Treasury review that found the Right to Repair framework has delivered a $2.4 billion annual increase in automotive industry turnover.
Assistant Minister for Competition Dr Andrew Leigh announced the consultation on reforms aimed at protecting motorists’ freedom to choose where they service their vehicles, while improving access to repair information and adapting the scheme to technological change.
The Treasury review confirmed the scheme is delivering as intended, expanding consumer choice, improving access to repair information and supporting safe vehicle repairs. Independent workshops are experiencing improved capability, productivity and profitability.
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) welcomed the government’s response, saying the proposed reforms address real-world issues encountered by workshops servicing modern vehicles.
“These are the real-world issues workshops encounter when servicing modern vehicles,” AAAA chief executive Stuart Charity said. “Getting them right will determine whether the scheme continues to deliver consistently across all makes and models – particularly for multi-brand workshops that form the backbone of Australia’s independent repair sector.”
Proposed reforms target practical barriers
The consultation covers several key areas including electronic logbooks, expanded access for intermediaries, improved access to higher-risk repair information with appropriate safeguards, and better hardware and diagnostic tool access.
The reforms also address smarter handling of safety and security information, plus more visible compliance and enforcement measures.
“If a motorist chooses an independent workshop, that choice should not come with strings attached,” Charity said. “For example, Australians should be able to maintain a complete service record wherever they choose to service their vehicle – and that service history should be portable, usable, and recognised.”
The economic impact reflects a more competitive repair market where independent workshops can perform more work efficiently, delivering better value for Australian motorists.
“Right to Repair is delivering for motorists and small business, and this review is a clear endorsement that the scheme is working,” Charity said.
Connected vehicle data remains priority
The government confirmed the scheme must continue evolving as vehicles become more connected and software-driven, with telematics remaining on the reform agenda.
“Connected-car data is already reshaping the repair landscape,” Charity said. “We welcome the government keeping telematics on the agenda and look forward to continued consultation on a clear, workable pathway that protects consumer choice and competition.”
The review noted the role of the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA) in supporting day-to-day scheme operations, providing practical guidance to repairers.
The government also announced it will consult on extending right to repair to agricultural machinery, reinforcing the broader competition and productivity reform agenda.
“Expanding right to repair to agriculture recognises the same principles at play – fair access, reduced downtime and stronger competition,” Charity said. “It is an important next step in ensuring right to repair continues to deliver tangible benefits for Australian businesses and consumers alike.”
The AAAA said it looks forward to engaging constructively in the consultation process to ensure reforms deliver practical improvements for workshops and motorists, maintaining Australia’s world-leading right to repair framework as the industry evolves.
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