The Australian Government has announced consultation on targeted improvements to the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme, aiming to make it easier and cheaper for independent workshops to access manufacturer repair information.
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) welcomed the Government’s response to Treasury’s review of the scheme, which builds on what it describes as Australia’s world-leading Right to Repair framework.
Assistant Treasurer Dr Andrew Leigh announced consultation on reforms designed to protect motorists’ freedom to choose where they service their vehicles, while improving access to repair information and adapting the scheme to technological change.
The proposed reforms include electronic logbooks, expanded access for intermediaries, improved access to higher-risk repair information with appropriate safeguards, better hardware and diagnostic tool access, enhanced handling of safety and security information, and more visible compliance and enforcement measures.
“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.”
Charity emphasised the importance of consumer choice in vehicle servicing. “If a motorist chooses an independent workshop, that choice should not come with strings attached,” he 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.”
Treasury review confirms success
The Government’s response confirms the scheme is delivering as intended, with the Treasury review finding it has expanded consumer choice, improved access to repair information and supported safe, timely vehicle repairs.
The review found the scheme has been associated with an estimated $2.4 billion increase in automotive industry turnover annually, with independent workshops experiencing improved capability, productivity and profitability.
This uplift reflects a more competitive repair market where independent workshops can do more work more 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.
The AAAA commended Treasury’s Right to Repair Unit for the integrity and technical rigour of its review, and acknowledged Dr Leigh for continued leadership on right to repair, productivity and competition.
Connected vehicle challenges ahead
The Government confirmed the scheme must continue to evolve as vehicles become more connected and software-driven, with telematics remaining on the reform agenda.
As connected-car data increasingly shapes what is diagnosable, repairable and affordable, the AAAA welcomed the Government’s recognition that the scheme must keep pace to protect consumer choice and fair competition.
“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 also noted the role of the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA) in supporting the day-to-day operation of the scheme, with the AAAA recognising AASRA’s role in providing practical guidance and support to repairers.
Agricultural machinery extension
The AAAA also welcomed the Government’s announcement that it will consult on extending right to repair to agricultural machinery, reinforcing that right to repair represents a 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, and that Australia’s right to repair framework remains world-leading as the industry evolves.
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