Minister for Fair Trading,  Anthony Roberts on 24 October introduced new laws into Parliament for motor vehicle dealers and repairers across NSW.  TheMotor Dealers Act 1974 and Motor Vehicle Repairs Act 1980 are now the “Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013”.  The Act has been modernized in its references and offers greater protection for consumers while supporting businesses in the motor industry.

A key reform of the Legislation which was a direct result of representations made by the AAAA over a number of years, is to allow a license exemption for simple repair work that does not impact on vehicle safety, such as fitting basic accessories, including windscreen wipers and roof racks.

Under the legislation, consumer protection will be strengthened by:

-   Doubling the penalties for odometer tampering from $11,000 to $22,000;

-   The Motor Dealers Compensation Fund being combined with a Repairers Fund with limits on claims increased from $30,000 to $40,000;

-   Increasing the jurisdictional limit for a used vehicle dispute in the Consumer Trader and Tenancy Tribunal from $30,000 to $40,000; and

-   Allowing Fair Trading inspectors to issue orders to a licensed dealer or repairer to fix faults without the consumer having to resort to legal action.

The legislation will also support motor vehicle dealers and repairers by:

-   Reducing business license categories from 22 to just 3;

-   Allowing a license exemption for simple repair work that does not impact on vehicle safety, such as fitting basic accessories, including windscreen wipers and roof racks; and

-   Introducing the option of a three year or annual licence to allow businesses to choose the renewal option that suits them best.

AAAA has been in discussions with NSW Fair Trading over many years to have uncomplicated accessory fitting exempted from the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Repairs Act.  The previous licensing requirements were a cost burden for what was usually offered as a free customer service. 

The AAAA commends Minister Roberts on the introduction of the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013.