Every good wish for a thriving and prosperous entrepreneurial 2019 to you all. The digital transformations that have challenged adaption within the automotive value chain will continue rapidly in the coming year and beyond with implications for business sustainability.

As an industrial association for employers, the need is to be at the vanguard of understanding the digital and technological developments impacting the motor trades and provide the leadership that enables members to be aware of, and have access to, strategic solutions. For this purpose, three initiatives to assist members to adapt to the challenge are in place. They are the MTAiQ Innovation Hub and its activities; the Carmageddon symposiums; and the development of a unique technology for the automotive value chain.

New technology

As said in my previous column, the MTA Queensland Board has been considering the investment in, and the merits of, a new technology specifically for the automotive value chain. The Board recently met to consider the due diligence undertaken and was convinced it offered members and industry a unique alternative to existing disruptions together with many new options. The considered view was it had the potential to enhance business profits, position and sustainability.

An expert panel, that includes industry representation, will develop and test the technology over the next six months. The intention is, from 1 July 2019, to offer the technology to members on trial for 12 months to ensure compliance and risk management.

The technology, underpinned by blockchain, has the characteristics that it is a trusted record that cannot be altered and allows traceability and accountability. Trust is of fundamental importance when it comes to sharing assets/information belonging to third parties, or services offered by these third parties. This technology ensures trust and transparency.

The intention is for the MTA Queensland’s Professional Circles’ 10 commitments of ‘honesty, professionalism, transparency, courtesy, integrity, care, clarity, proactivity, accountability and compliance’ to be augmented by the inclusion of ‘trust’ as one of the essential ingredients. This will occur after the conclusion of the trial period.

Carmageddon

Carmageddon ‘New World Mobility’ is the prime forum to promote understanding of the emerging technologies transforming mobility. It is to be held on Thursday, 21 March 2019, at the Sir Jack Brabham Automotive Centre of Excellence, providing members with the opportunity to hear first-hand the current and future technological and digital transformations impacting the automotive industry.

It will be opened by the Federal Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Hon Karen Andrews.

Leading keynote speakers from industry, academia, and professional organisations will address the emerging innovations and mobility trends. Details of the forum and keynote speakers are on the website. I urge members to book early, as I’ve been surprised at the initial interest. Before going to registration, some fifty percent of the seats have been allocated. It’s not all sitting, listening and learning; there will be displays – including of hydrogen vehicles and electric vehicles from leading brands.

MTAiQ Innovation Hub

The MTAiQ, Australia’s first innovation hub dedicated to the automotive value chain, has a leading role in promoting and attracting awareness of emerging technologies. Mentors, investors, coaches, commercial partners and industry experts are able to collaborate with both start-up businesses and established businesses on new and changing innovations. Members are reminded that the hub is available to support their business to help navigate the rapid change facing our industry.

Strategic Plan 2019-21

At the next MTA Queensland Board meeting, the review of the Strategic Plan for 2019-21 undertaken by the executive team will be finalised by the Board. Once the Board is satisfied and has its objectives set, it will be approved for implementation and the plan will be published and action commenced immediately.

The diary

Prior to Christmas I attended the Queensland Overseas Foundation (QOF) Board meeting at which discussion on the 2018 scholarships and awards – including the Queensland Automotive Trades QOF Scholarship – occurred.

The MTA Queensland, through the Automotive Skills Queensland, had committed to be a sponsor of the QOF and the program that provides vocational education and training graduates with the opportunity to improve their career prospects by working overseas. It was the first time for several years that the scholarship to an apprentice in the light and heavy vehicle trades was to be awarded. We eagerly await the announcement of the scholarship winner!

I’ve been invited to attend the 9th Annual Australian Health Care Week to participate in an expert panel with health professionals and academics with the focus on autonomous vehicles (AV) for the healthcare sector. As a precursor to the conference, I was asked to respond in writing to a range of questions relevant to the application of AV to health care. Whilst there was general interest in when AV’s would be ‘on the roads’, the prime concentration was on the implications around ethics and liability, the impact on the workforce and the reduction in accidents. The conference is on 27-28 March in Sydney.

It is the practice to reciprocate the support from interstate MTA colleagues who attend our major events, particularly our Industry Dinner. I attended the MTA New South Wales’ Recognition Night which provided an excellent opportunity to network with contemporaries and industry operatives. During the evening MTAA Chairman Neville Gibb spoke with me about the national association’s activities which I have conveyed to our Board. From that discussion, the MTA Queensland Board will invite the MTAA Chairman and CEO to a Board meeting to discuss future collaboration later in the year.

And the last thing

For the first time in my professional life, I attended an event that was truly unique and most inspiring. That was to host a corporate office morning tea and make a presentation to Industrial Relations Manager Ted Kowalski. This was to celebrate and honour his 35 years of service to the Association. Ted commenced work on 9th January 1984 with the then Queensland Motor Industry Association (QMIA) as the Industrial Officer. It was a momentous year for Ted – he started a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in industrial relations at the University of Queensland and, in the month of April, married the love of his life. Some three years later, after commencing work with the QMIA, he was promoted to the role of Industrial Manager, the position he has today.
Ted’s distinguished service and his expert employment relations knowledge, advice and guidance is recognised and valued by members and the Association. Incidentally, I’ve challenged individuals in our corporate office team to exceed Ted’s service. There are A couple on track to do so – but need a couple of decades or so to match it!

I would also like to pay tribute to Andy O’Hearn, Divisional Executive (North Queensland) for his commitment and dedication to the members in the northern part of our state. Andy has spent countless hours on the road and provided exceptional service to our valued members. Andy is moving on and will be greatly missed. We are grateful for his service and welcome Ray Bolton to the role. Ray will hopefully get to meet all our northern members very soon.

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’.