VACC congratulates ScoMo but says ‘there’s work to do’

The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has congratulated the victorious Morrison coalition, but is urging swift action too.

CEO Geoff Gwilym welcomed the result and said the VACC “looks forward to working closely with the new Australian government”.

He said: “The coalition government has shown good will and support for several key policies outlined in VACC’s election manifesto, Keep Australia Moving.

“These include commitment to supporting Australia’s automotive future, mandating access to service and repair information, and creating an automotive-specific Franchise Code of Conduct.

“These are extremely important issues for the almost 400,000 people working in the automotive industry across the country. VACC will continue to work with the new government – and the opposition – to see these commitments through.”

Unfinished business

However, Mr Gwilym also says he wants to “remind” Scott Morrison that there’s still much to do.

“We reiterate to the new government that there are several policy positions that remain overlooked,” he said. “These need to be addressed, and addressed right now.”

Mr Gwilym says the VACC’s priorities for the new government are to:

• Introduce a mandated motor vehicle insurance and repair industry code of conduct
• Prioritise skills and training policy initiatives towards the automotive industry
• Develop a national end-of-life vehicle program
• Abolish luxury-car tax
• Roll out concrete measures for business red-tape reduction and improvements to Australian Consumer Law.

Mr Gwilym claims the automotive industry has for too long been a low priority in Australia.

“For an industry that employs 380,000 people and contributes more than $37 billion annually to the Australian economy, it is inconceivable that such key industry priorities have been largely ignored by both major political parties,” he said.

“Regardless, VACC will continue to work with both sides of government to create meaningful reform that recognises and promotes the merits and key needs of the automotive industry among policy makers.”