The Federal Government looks set to introduce a new mandatory data sharing law for motor vehicle service and repair information.

In a statement at the end of October from the office of Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar, it was announced that, “The Coalition Government is committed to progressing the design of a mandatory information sharing scheme for motor vehicle service and repair information. This scheme forms part of our commitment to support appropriate commercial dealing and competition in the new car retail supply chain for the benefit of both small businesses and consumers.”

The proposed scheme will, according to the statement, “. . . mandate that all service and repair information car manufacturers share with their dealership networks must be available for independent repairers to purchase. It will also remove grey areas in the current voluntary arrangements by explicitly setting out a list of safety, security and environmental information that must only be released to appropriate businesses as well as clear criteria for access.”

The announcement comes after much discussion and consultation around the data sharing issue and the government says that industry representatives have been asked to consider the potential for an industry-led body to assist with administering the scheme.

The announcement comes two years after the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) released its New Car Retailing Industry study that recommended the introduction of such a mandatory data-sharing scheme.

Click HERE to view a summary of consultation feedback.

Click HERE to view the Assistant Treasurer’s media release.

Click HERE to view the 2017 ACCC New Car Retailing Industry report.

Source: Motor Trader E-Magazine (Nov 2019)

8 Nov 2019