A parliamentary inquiry in to the autobody repair industry is underway in Western Australia.
The Economics and Industry Standing Committee resolved to inquire into and report on:
1) Automotive smash repair work and whether it is being carried out to adequate safety and quality standards in Western Australia;
2) The current Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct, its governance structure and dispute resolution mechanisms and whether it is effective at regulating the relationship between repairers and insurers, and in serving consumer interests;
3) Consumer choice, consumer protection and consumer knowledge in respect of contracts and repairs under insurance policies; and
4) The business practices of insurers, and repairers, including vertical integration in the market, the transparency of those business practises and implications for consumers.
The Committee will report to the House by 29 November 2018.
Stephen Moir CEO of MTA WA told Paint & Panel: “The MTA WA welcomes this inquiry, it’s what we have been calling for since the McGowan administration began in 2017. The McGowan State Government have been very positive in their dealings with the automotive industry and this inquiry is further evidence of their commitment to the industry.
“MTA WA will be talking to the industry to gather evidence and are hoping that members will provide more than anecdotal evidence of issues that affect them. We’re pleased that the inquiry will allow people to give evidence ‘in camera’ to protect their identities and we look forward to some positive outcomes resulting from this process," he said.