CEO Update - May 2022

A warm welcome to all of our Members.

I understand that due to the recent heavy rainfall and flooding in some of our regions, this may have had an impact on Members’ businesses and their homes. This natural disaster along with Covid-19 has been a difficult time for Members. MTA NSW is working hard to ensure Members are supported in their efforts to get back to ‘business as usual’ and moving positively again. In the month of April, our Association had an exceptional win for Members when proposed changes to online selling were reviewed. The NSW Government had been considering amending the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act to not include online car sales for used vehicles.

MTA NSW prepared a submission and the compelling arguments outlined to the Government were heard, as we were notified that the amendments allowing for the entire purchase process of a vehicle to take place online for new vehicles have now been extended to used vehicles as well.

What this means for our Members is that Motor Dealers can continue to grow their business online, if they wish, with no jobs lost in the sector, and revenue is protected from being distributed to other States without the same regulatory constraints.

This is a practical example of one of the many issues that MTA NSW advocates for on behalf of Members.

MTA NSW is pleased to keep you updated on some of the legislative and regulatory reforms currently impacting the automotive industry, such as employee misconduct in the digital space, questions NOT to ask when interviewing prospective staff and how to protect your business from a cyberattack and ransomware.

In addition, MTA NSW has been involved in a safety campaign working with SafeWork NSW and other stakeholders advocating for support and working with industry to bring real change to Quad Bike workplace health and safety legislation.

To assist Members in understanding work health and safety duty of care, Motor Trades Care (MTC) has introduced its Protect and Care Self-assessment Tool and highlights its applicability to any person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) or any Officer of a PCBU.

I am delighted to welcome Matthew Connor, General Manager - Marketing, to the MTA NSW Management Team, and look forward to his strong contributions.

I applaud the Federal Government’s decision to examine the regulatory settings in the commercial conduct of the car insurance and smash repair industry.

MTA NSW congratulates Robert Talbott AM, who was nominated and awarded as a Life Member of MTA NSW at the Annual General Meeting held on 13 May 2022.

The award was in recognition of his strong contribution to the Motor Industry, having been a Member for 25 years, and serving as a Governing Councillor of the General Trades Division.

If you require any assistance, please remember to contact your local MTA NSW Area Manager or, for a subject matter expert regarding any Divisional matters, please contact your MTA NSW Divisional Manager.

For employment-related issues, please call upon our Employment Relations Team for the right advice when you may need help with staff or associated issues for your business.

As always, we are here for you.

Chief Executive Officer

Stavros Yallouridis