The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) is calling for amendments to the Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS) in response to concerns from independent workshops regarding the accessibility and cost of manufacturer diagnostic tools.
Since its introduction in July 2022, the MVIS has given independent repairers access to essential vehicle manufacturer information at a fair market price, significantly improving competition and consumer choice. The law, championed by the AAAA, is recognised as a world-leading right-to-repair scheme.
“This law has been an absolute game changer for workshops, and one we have been proud to champion on behalf of the industry, but we need to ensure it continues to meet the needs of independent workshops,” said Stuart Charity, CEO of the AAAA.
“The number one challenge workshops are finding with the new law is the lack of uniformity in obtaining information from the various OEM portals and the lack of access to use a universal pass-through interface, such as J2534, for diagnostic software or programming files.”
Independent repairers currently need to subscribe to over 60 different car brand portals, each with its own unique process and costly brand-specific tools. The Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA) Portal, which allows a single credential to log in to over 30 OEM portals, has simplified this process for subscribers. However, it does not address the challenges and expense of having to purchase specific diagnostic hardware for every brand.
“For all-makes-and-models’ workshops, the burden of navigating multiple subscriptions and paying exorbitant fees for brand-specific diagnostic tools—some charging up to $510 per day—is simply not sustainable,” said Charity.
To address this, the AAAA is seeking to amend the MVIS to require all manufacturers to adopt the SAE-J2534 protocol, a universal standard for vehicle diagnostics. This would allow workshops to use a single tool across all vehicle brands, reducing costs and simplifying the repair process.
“The J2534 amendment is crucial—it will ensure the law works as intended and delivers real, impactful change for independent workshops across Australia.”
Another concern with the law relates to data aggregators, who provide essential service and repair information for multiple car brands. Under the current scheme, manufacturers are not required to license all technical service bulletins and other critical repair data to aggregators.
“Data aggregators are key players in supporting multi-brand repairers, but they’re being denied full access to vital information. We will push for changes to ensure car companies share all relevant data with aggregators.”
The AAAA is encouraging its members to participate in consultations about the MVIS to help shape the future of the scheme. Stuart Charity is already in communication with the Hon Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities, and Treasury, requesting a dialogue about minor improvements that could have a significant impact on the ongoing effect of the law.
“We are committed to ensuring the MVIS works for all independent workshops, without unnecessary costs or complications. We encourage the industry to provide feedback as we continue to advocate for these important changes,” said Charity.