Thursday, 2 May 2019

Ministers statements: vehicle repair and service

Mr SOMYUREK (South Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Small Business) (12:15): I am pleased to be able to update the house on the action the Andrews Labor government has taken to support Victorian small businesses and consumers. I recently lodged a submission backing a national scheme for the sharing of vehicle repair and service information. Like the 10 000 independent car repair businesses, I eagerly await the response to our submission.

If this scheme goes ahead, it will give Victorian vehicle owners and auto repair service businesses a fairer deal, because currently many of Victoria’s 10 000 independent auto repair businesses face difficulties in accessing information from vehicle manufacturers to efficiently repair and service vehicles. Being unable to access information such as safety, environmental and security-related data concerning the car makes it more difficult and expensive for the repairer and indeed the consumer.

If the scheme goes ahead, this government stands ready to support its implementation to ensure a harmonious national scheme. An effective national scheme will level the playing field for smaller operators, boost competition in the auto repair market and save Victorian vehicle owners time and money by giving them a greater range of repair and service options. We support a fairer deal for car owners and independent auto service and repair businesses and look forward to action.