The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has submitted a detailed response to the Australian Government's review of the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme (MVIS), calling for significant reforms to better support independent repairers and consumers.
The review, conducted by Treasury, examined the effectiveness of the current regulatory framework and its impact on competition between authorised dealers and independent repair workshops since the scheme's introduction.
"Our submission reflects the real-world experiences of our members who have been operating under this scheme," VACC CEO Peter Jones, said.
"Whilst the MVIS was a positive step forward, there are significant gaps that need addressing to ensure independent repairers can compete fairly and consumers have a genuine choice in where they service their vehicles."
The VACC response includes 19 comprehensive recommendations designed to strengthen the scheme's effectiveness and expand its reach.
Key recommendations include:
- Enhanced awareness and compliance: A targeted national awareness campaign to promote the scheme, particularly amongst smaller and regional workshops, coupled with greater regulatory oversight and enforcement by the ACCC and AASRA to improve data providers' compliance.
- Expanded scope: Extending the MVIS to include critical telematics data and information, comprehensive service and repair information for vehicles with Level 3 and above automated driving systems, and ADAS calibration information. The submission also calls for access to electronic logbooks and online service history information.
- Broader vehicle coverage: Expanding the scheme beyond passenger vehicles to include motorcycles, heavy vehicles, farm machinery, and recreational vehicles.
"The automotive landscape has evolved significantly since the MVIS was first introduced," Jones explained.
"Modern vehicles are increasingly complex, with advanced driver assistance systems and automated features that require specialised information for safe and effective repair. Our recommendations ensure the scheme keeps pace with these technological advances."
The VACC submission emphasises the importance of proper consultation with industry stakeholders before implementing any additional regulatory requirements.
"We've seen firsthand how well-intentioned regulations can create unintended consequences when industry isn't properly consulted," Jones noted.
"Our members are the ones working with these systems daily, and their expertise must inform any future regulatory framework."
The organisation's response was informed by extensive member consultation, including a dedicated MVIS survey, face-to-face meetings, and detailed phone discussions with workshops across Victoria.
"The strength of our submission lies in the real-world feedback from our members who are dealing with these challenges every day," Jones said.
"From metropolitan workshops to regional operators, we've captured the diverse experiences and needs of the independent repair sector."
The review forms part of the Government's broader right-to-repair reform agenda, with findings expected to inform policy development across other sectors of the economy.
The VACC will continue monitoring the review's progress and advocating for reforms that support a competitive and sustainable automotive repair industry.
The full VACC Submission can be accessed by clicking here