Anne Stanley says that four years ago, Labor campaigned to allow all Australians to freely go to any mechanic they wanted with no barriers.
The federal member for Werriwa explained that the reason for the campaign was that with cars becoming more complex every year, it was very important to ensure all mechanics had access to the information they needed to be able to repair and service all cars – no matter the year they were made.
Ms Stanley’s efforts in this fight played a key role in seeing the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme become operational last Friday.
The scheme gives all registered mechanics the knowledge they need to help everyday Australians with their vehicles.
Independent and local mechanics are generally cheaper and closer, which helps both Australians with cars and local businesses in our communities.
“More competition means downward pressure on prices, which means more money in the pockets of Australian car owners,” said Ms Stanley, who is pictured above with a local mechanic.
“And more importantly these changes will support small business in our area.
“These hard-working businesses are the life blood of our community providing jobs and support to volunteer groups in sponsorship and in other ways.”
Ms Stanley says that while many years of campaigning have finally paid off, the new scheme is also a small step in helping the cost-of-living crisis people are experiencing throughout Werriwa.
“The ACCC will act as an independent umpire to ensure access to information, as well as costs, is fair and reasonable,” Ms Stanley said.
The ACCC will have the power to enforce a maximum penalty of $10 million to ensure the scheme works as intended and mechanics get the information they need.
