The first quarter of 2021 has soared past, and we are now well underway in preparing our 2022-2024 Strategic Plan. This Plan will provide the clarity, direction and focus for our organisation for the upcoming three years, and ensure we are following the best business direction for our members’ and industry’s needs.  

Underpinning the MTA Group operations, which are focused on its members and their success, is the Professional Circle, five core pillars connected to the functions of the Association. Established in 2015, these are: advocacy, services, training, support and innovation. Through these tenets, we hope to bring the MTA Group closer to its members, building trust and helping businesses promote their brand alongside our own.   

MTA Queensland ADVOCATES for members and clients at both state and federal levels on issues affecting the industry. Some recent wins include the mandatory sharing scheme for motor vehicle service and repair information, the ERA categorisation for automotive recyclers resulting in a reduction in annual fees, and the industry-changing amendments to franchising laws in Australia which will go a long way to improving new car dealers’ rights against their franchised manufacturers.   

I encourage all members and industry stakeholders to join one of our 11 divisions, as to actively represent a wide and diverse range of member views, opinions, and perspectives. Regular committee meetings are hosted in which attendees discuss skilling needs, member representation, technical/educational updates, innovation opportunities, and other issues and submissions that need to be directly presented to government,  

MTA Queensland provides a wide range of support SERVICES to members including workplace relations advice and consumer complaint support. MTA Queensland has recently launched a new webinar series, dedicated to offering information and guidance on relevant business topics. There are a number of exclusive webinars only available to MTA Queensland members. One of our upcoming webinars is on Wage Theft, presented by our Senior Workplace Relations Advisor, Evangeline Kannis, on 19 April 2021. Click HERE to find out more!  

MTA Institute (RTO 31529) is the leading automotive provider for TRAINING and apprenticeship delivery in Queensland, offering nationally recognised courses in technical, retail and aftermarket sectors. MTA Queensland also conducts a range of non-accredited industry training courses. We have recently introduced the ADAS Awareness Course, ADAS Technician Course and the ADAS Vehicle Glass Course. These courses are aimed at individuals currently working in the automotive industry, who are looking to understand ADAS components, and the operational characteristics of the various systems commonly featured in today’s vehicles.  

Our member portal has a library of industry resources, marketing materials and workplace relations information, dedicated to SUPPORTING our members. We recently developed a new series of repair notice posters for members to download and display in their workshop. These signs are commonly requested by members and easily identify workshops as an MTA Queensland approved business.   

The last pillar of the professional circle, INNOVATION, is reflected through MTAiQ, Australia’s first automotive innovation hub, as well as our annual events. MTAiQ is a facility that offers a supportive framework that promotes and develops innovation in the motor trades, established by MTA Queensland in 2018. We collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the automotive industry in Queensland, and the MTAiQ will continue to help develop and grow concepts and ideas into industry-changing technologies and processes, driving us to the forefront of tertiary-level research and innovation.   

In addition, MTA Queensland’s annual Carmageddon Symposium provides the opportunity to learn first-hand about the innovations and transformations impacting the automotive industry. This year’s event will cover key topics related to new technology and the future of mobility, clean fuel and infrastructure, and automotive waste management in a circular economy and opportunities for business. It will be held on Thursday 22nd July 2021, at the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence. I encourage all members to save the date, as tickets will be limited. Even if you cannot attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on the day!   

Finally,   

I am pleased to advise that the nominations for MTA Queensland’s 2021 Industry Awards are now open.  With over 200 stakeholders expected to attend, the Industry Awards Gala is one of the major automotive events scheduled for 2021. A highlight of the event is the announcement of the four prestigious awards, including:  

• Community Award – awarded to an individual or member business who is a role model for their community and this is evidenced by their actions. 
• Innovation Award – awarded to an individual or business that is supporting or implementing innovation in the automotive or mobility industry.  
• Women in Industry Award – awarded to a female leader achieving success through their commitment to driving change in the automotive or mobility industry; and  
• MTA Queensland Apprentice of the Year Award - presented to an MTA Institute apprentice recognised for going above and beyond in their training and displaying a commitment and passion to the automotive trade.  

Nominating for the Awards is very simple! Just complete the online form requiring a 500-word submission. If you need assistance our team is happy to help.   

Until next time, take care and stay safe.  

15 April 2021