The Motor Dealers and Repairers Amendment Bill 2023 has successfully passed through the New South Wales parliament.
The Motor Traders Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) has welcomed the unanimous parliamentary support shown to the revised Act and says it marks a significant milestone for the state’s motoring industry.
It says the newly revised act will improve the provision for online sales of vehicles, including used vehicles, cease the practice of cash transactions for end-of-life vehicles, and increase penalties for operating without a licence.
The act also allows for the secretary to approve new qualifications in the automotive sector, promoting skill development and innovation.
MTA NSW says it took a proactive approach to ensuring the revised Act appropriately balances the needs of consumers and industry, working with the government and providing guidance through several submissions.
This bill will amend the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2014, an amendment long overdue since consultation originally began in 2020.
MTA NSW chief executive Stavros Yallouridis says the delay in amending the act was attributed to various factors, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the state election.
“MTA NSW has been steadfast in its commitment to representing the interests of the motoring industry,” Yallouridis says.
“This has been achieved through our work on multiple submissions, conversations and engaging with members of Parliament including the Minister, the Shadow Minister and members of the cross bench.”
“The unanimous support in the NSW Parliament underscores MTA NSW’s position as the leading organisation for the motoring industry in the state. MTA NSW extends its thanks to the Minister, the Shadow Minister, and members of the cross-bench for their consultative approach and dedication to working alongside industry stakeholders.”
While the passage of the motor dealers and repairers amendment bill through the NSW Parliament is a significant achievement, it marks the beginning, not the end, of a comprehensive process, including a review of the regulations according to MTA NSW, which says it looks forward to collaborating with the minister and the government to amend the regulations.
“The industry still requires certainty that the regulations provide, and MTA NSW is committed to ensuring that these regulations align with the needs and expectations of both businesses and consumers,” Yallouridis says.
MTA NSW says it remains optimistic about the continued success of the Act and its positive impact on the motoring industry in New South Wales.
