September 2018
Most recently, my focus has been preparing the end of financial year report for the MTA Queensland Board on the strategic issues relating to the Group’s business and to present the several audited financial and statutory compliance papers for approval.
The key operational document is the 2017-19 Strategic Plan, which sets the goals and the framework to grow the Association’s commercial interests through membership, training, the innovation hub initiative and communications. It also establishes the benchmarks for the delivery of services to members. In my report to the Board, I advised that there had been successful progress measured against the goals. I thank the entire staff for their diligence and professionalism in working to achieve these outcomes in which we all can take pride.
Duties that surprise
Sometimes, other duties come along that surprise for the best. There are two experiences that I share with you. It’s rare for a peak organisation to appear before the influential House of Representative’s Standing Committee on Economics (the Committee) for almost an hour to provide evidence on issues important to our membership. Normally, this is confined to such entities as the Australian Taxation Commission or the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Not for one moment do I want members to think that MTA Queensland is important in the affairs of the nation. Definitely not, but we were one of a two Queensland organisations allocated to give evidence for the 80-minute Brisbane Hearings on impediments to business investment. Whilst I was prepared for the Hearing, I was surprised by the time given to MTA Queensland as a witness before the Committee and the questions posed.
In my opening statement I addressed ‘cost of doing business’, which is the consistent message from members to the corporate office. These include the energy affordability, regulatory obligations (red-tape), fee for service, digital connectivity with government entities, and industrial relations – particularly unfair dismissals. I mentioned other matters such as disruption arising from the transition to the digital economy; the shift from combustion engines to electric vehicles; technology such as 3D printing disrupting parts and tools suppliers and manufacturing; and an economic and regulatory framework that enables small/medium enterprise to be sustainable into the future.
Whilst I was surprised by the time given to the MTA Queensland as a witness, the Committee also requested detail of ten impediments to business which challenged the automotive value chain’s core business. This will be provided with the support of MTA Queensland members. The Committee questioned me about the Association’s commitment to a statutory mandated regulatory framework for the effective transfer of vehicle repair and maintenance information from Original Equipment Manufacturers to independent repairers. I assured that this was the position and policy of the Association.
The Committee pursued the issue of both hydrogen cell technology for motor vehicles in comparison to electric vehicles. I advised the Association was not experts but observed that electric vehicles (EVs) were in the market place and governments and the private sector were facilitating their take up with recharge stations across the state but suggested parallel investment into research of hydrogen cell technology is sensible.
The second experience was ‘Car Pool Karaoke’- no, not singing – but a casual, lighthearted interview in a car. This was a new and interesting concept by Deloitte’s Consulting Partner Dr Kellie Nuttall to capture diverse thinking from different passengers around the ‘Future of Mobility’ within a relaxed and entertaining environment. The videos were showcased at a Deloitte Queensland Gala event to which I was invited. I was keen to promote in the interview that the Association was preparing for an era where seamless and integrated mobility promises to be faster, cheaper, safer, cleaner and more convenient for all users. To advance this, government should be proactive and plan the infrastructure requirements such as transport lanes to trial mobility technologies that include autonomous vehicles and shuttle buses for consumers to become familiar with new transport options.
Queensland Electric Vehicle Committee
For almost two years, we’ve been providing leadership and investigating the implications of digital disruption and vehicle technological transformations on the automotive value chain and integrated transport systems. It was pleasing to be invited by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey to become a member of the Queensland Electric Vehicle Council and have the opportunity to share our learnings. It is advisory in nature and comprises government, industry and community representatives. At the inaugural meeting chaired by the Minister, it was agreed to focus on long-term strategic direction and industry involvement.
A separate entity, the Australian Electric Vehicle Association Inc. (AEVA) will hold its 2018 annual conference and expo in Brisbane on 9 – 10 November at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. As AEVA’s goals align with the objectives of our Carmageddon symposiums and participation in the Myriad Festival, we will be a sponsor of the Electric Vehicle expo. Of particular interest to us, is raising the awareness of the mobility aspect of electric vehicles – from bicycles to scooters to cars. The expo is an opportunity for the trades sector to display products and for the public to learn about electric vehicles such as charging options.
Challenges and Opportunities
Both Deputy Chief Executive Kellie Dewar and I, at stakeholder meetings or networking events, look and listen for opportunities, programs or initiatives that would contribute to the ongoing resilience of the Association and the sustainability of member’s businesses. In last month’s From the Desk of the CEO, I referred to an opportunity to engage with Telstra’s Emerging Technology Strategy personnel on Cooperative Intelligent Systems.
This is progressing with a planned workshop to explore areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration. It will include Telstra’s Chief Transport Strategist Dean Economou who is credentialled in aspects of intelligent transport.
Another opportunity emerged through a meeting with Block2 Chief Executive Officer Eden Spencer. He leads a team with diverse economic, industrial and professional skills in the areas of technology, business intelligence, innovation, partnerships and strategy. They have developed a product, Block2, that is a ground-breaking industry resource sharing platform that enables business to create resilience and support as they navigate significant changes in modern operating environments. It is focused on solving the problems that businesses face day-to-day while creating new opportunities to collaborate for financial reward.
I’ve discussed opportunities that Block2 can provide for the membership with the MTA Queensland Board. It has been agreed to commence planning with Block2 as a corporate partner to deliver the latest in blockchain technology to industry. More information about Block2’s status as a corporate partner and the benefits to members will be provided as the arrangement progresses.
And the last thing
The Association and members alike have been through a busy period with end of the year reporting obligations in harness with normal business activities. With this is mind, I trust members will be able to treat themselves to the Annual Industry Dinner, Saturday 10 November at Hotel W Brisbane – 81 North Quay. It is an occasion to toast the ‘new world automotive’ and the MTA Institute Apprentice of the Year, the MTAiQ Innovation and the MTA Queensland Community Award winners.
I will continue to work to expand our commercial interests, continue the strategic restructure and industry re-alignments which includes the emerging digital and technological innovations. We will continue to build on the success of improved governance, expanding commercial interests, and continuing the strategic restructure and industry re-alignments which includes the emerging digital and technological innovations.
In closing, I too look ‘to the heavens for rain to break the drought cycle and restore business confidence and uplift spirits.’ Until next month, as Henry Ford, the industrialist and the founder of the Ford motor company said, ‘execute ideas with enthusiasm . . . as it is the bottom of all progress’.
