Car repairer code change
‘Authorised’ mechanics will be required to share vehicle information
HOUSEHOLDS could save hundreds of dollars off the cost of servicing their car each year, and have more choice on which mechanic to visit, under a plan being considered by the government.
News Corp has seen a confidential treasury consultation paper, to be released today that examines and calls for the establishment of a mandatory repairers code which would give independent, often cheaper car repairers access to data and parts details that previously have only been accessible to “authorised” repairers.
This in particular will impact new cars with computer software.
Most car dealers do not share software information with repairers who are not “authorised” resulting in a monopoly where owners of new vehicles have to service and repair their vehicle at higher cost.
In some instances where cars have had to be towed to a A GUN scare led heavily-armed police to swarm a Whittington house early yesterday.
It is understood specialist police units attended the Surveyor Court address after other police heard what they believed to be gunshots.
A Victoria Police spokesman said police were investigating an allegedly stolen vehicle when they heard what they believed to be gunshots from a nearby house. separate “authorised” repairer just to simply have a PIN number for software input.
Assistant Minister for Treasury and Finance Zed Seselja said enacting a mandatory code as recommended by the consultation paper would support Australian small business and put downward pressure on the cost of vehicle repairs “ensuring the best deal for families when getting their car repaired”.
“It is important Australians have a genuine choice about where they get their car re-
“Police have arrested four people in Whittington,” the spokesman said.
“Police located an allegedly stolen vehicle at an address on Surveyor Court just after 3.30am.
“Whilst waiting for a tow truck what sounded like a gunshot was heard coming from the house.”
Three men and one woman were arrested at the house and have been taken into custody. The four were assisting police with their inquiries when the Addy went to press last night but no charges had been laid. l paired. Whether it’s at a dealership or at their local mechanic, they want to know that they’re getting their car serviced safely, efficiently, and at a competitive price,” Senator Seselja said.
“Industry representatives all agree that something needs to be done to ensure fair sharing of service and repair information, while protecting vehicle safety and security.”
Car servicing and repairs is a $20 billion industry, with more than 19 million car owners in Australia.
Residents reportedly heard police using loudspeakers as they called on the house occupants to surrender themselves.
Some residents said police had “riot boards” while others said heavily armed officers could be seen pointing guns at the house.
By about 9am the heavy presence had reduced to a handful of plain clothed detectives and uniformed police who could be seen searching the house at the end of the court and door knocking residents.
The treasury consultation paper was part of an election commitment by the Coalition in 2016, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission producing a report.
Today’s paper recommends mandating the sharing of service and repair information with all repairers across the country to create a “level playing field” between large repairers and small independent retailers.
Having equal access to information for all, also in- creased safety of vehicle repairs according to the document.
North America and Europe already have information sharing for all repairers, placing Australia well behind the rest of the world.
Chief executive of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association — who represent independent repairers — said there was often hundreds of dollars difference between a dealer-attached repairer and an independent retailer.