The Productivity Commission has released a draft report on the Right to Repair.  It addresses concerns around consumers’ ability to repair faulty goods, or access repair services, at a competitive price.

It is not industry-specific but addresses the issues that may be inhibiting repairs across the broad range of consumer products. This report follows consultations earlier in the year to which MTAQ made a submission. View the submission HERE.

It is worth noting that following an ACCC examination of the vehicle right to repair issues, specific legislation (the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme) has been passed and will come into effect 1 July 2022. For this reason, perhaps, there is not a significant focus on this sector of the motor industry.

Specific advice, nonetheless, is sought on agricultural machinery repair issues (at page 141).

The draft report also considers a number of issues and proposals (including those to be addressed through the MV Scheme), that will have relevance to the broader motor industry, on which feedback is sought. These include:

• Improving consumer access to remedies and dispute handling mechanisms particularly involving guarantees (page 106)
• Evaluating the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme once it has been in operation for three years. The evaluation should focus on compliance, the costs imposed on manufacturers, the benefits to independent repairers and consumers, and any implementation issues that require changes to the scheme, including consideration of whether the scheme should continue (page 155).
• Amending regulations to require manufacturer warranties on goods to include text (located in a prominent position in the warranty) stating that entitlements to consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law do not require consumers to use authorised repair services or spare parts (page 158).
• Considering a recommendation prohibiting manufacturer warranties from containing ‘warranty void’ terms (including warranty seals) that require consumers to use authorised repair services or parts from a particular company to keep their warranty coverage (page 158).
• Introducing a fair dealing or fair use exemption into the Copyright Act to allow third-party repairers to share copyright information (page 187).

MTA Queensland is encouraging all members to submit feedback to info@mtaq.com.au by 9 July 2021.