Canberra, Australia — A new law has passed in Australia making it illegal for car companies to withhold information from independent mechanics that would prevent them from fixing a vehicle.
Similar to Canada’s My Car. My Data. My Choice. the campaign, the Right to Repair campaign that had been advocated by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) for a decade has now become law after being passed by The Australian Senate. The campaign promoted qualified independent mechanics to be able to have access to all the information they would need to repair a vehicle from car companies so that drivers can choose where they go to get their vehicle fixed.
The Right to Repair scheme that was passed will also help to keep the cost of vehicle maintenance, replacement parts and repair down so that it’s more affordable for the driver and the independent mechanic. Geoff Gwilyn, CEO of The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC), says that this new law will benefit both the driver and independent mechanics for years to come.
“Automotive service and repair businesses will have strengthened rights to repair Australia’s 20 million-strong fleet by accessing manufacturers’ and data providers’ service and repair information at reasonable prices. Australian motorists will also know their chosen repairer has access to critical service and repair information,” he said.
“Australia’s global policy leadership is again highlighted as one of the few global jurisdictions to legislate a fair and balanced outcome for Australian consumers and automotive businesses.” (SOURCE BodyShop News)
Stuart Charity, CEO of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), says that this law would not have been passed if it wasn’t for the support of members in the industry, and for the 75 workshops hosted by local MPs who talked about the impact not sharing data and software updates can have on independent mechanics.
“We don’t have a very politicized membership, and for our small owner-operated workshops to get onboard with direct emails and contact with their local MP – [this] is the best indicator we have that this is important to our members and to their customers,” said Charity.
