'Canberra, It's Over To You' The Australian Automotive Industry Looks to the Federal Government to Tackle the Vexed Issue of Access to Technical Information

CANBERRA – Sept 9, 2011: Key sectors of the Australian Automotive Industry have agreed to disagree over the issue of access to technical vehicle information.

At this week’s Vehicle Service and Repair Information Conference, hosted by VACC during Freight Week, members of the automotive industry gathered to discuss the issue of access to technical, diagnostic, service and repair information by independent repairers.

It was the first time sectors of the Australian Automotive Industry had met to debate this topic under one roof. Present were representatives of the manufacturing sector, importers, dealers, service and repairers, insurers and parts retailers, as well as industry associations, Governments and others. Deputy leader of the Victorian Liberal Party and Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business, the Honourable Louise Asher officially opened the Conference.

“To have the opportunity to hear so many views and opinions was enlightening and it is clear that this is a very complex issue,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“It is also clear – and we thought this would be the case – that it is not possible to neatly wrap the issue up with one outcome or in one sentence. There are a number of different angles and each one has merit. The various interested parties will now focus their attention on their submissions to the recently announced Federal Government Inquiry into this issue,” Mr Purchase said.

The Honourable David Bradbury MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, is leading the Inquiry into the issue of access to vehicle technical information. The deadline for submissions is 23 September.

“Judging by the debate we had at the Conference, the Inquiry will have its work cut out. We urge the Inquiry to address this matter and to consider thoroughly its conclusions. This issue has serious consequences for motorists and business owners in the future,” Mr Purchase said.

Mr Bradbury has invited VACC to attend a Conference debriefing meeting in Canberra, when a formal report on the discussions will be presented.