Industry Urges Minister To Keep VSB 14 Reform On The National Agenda
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) is calling on the Federal Government to ensure the review of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 14 (VSB 14) remains a top priority — warning that the momentum achieved so far must not be allowed to stall.
VSB 14 sets out the national guidelines for light vehicle modifications. While technically a voluntary document, it is used by state and territory road agencies to assess roadworthiness and compliance. But inconsistencies in how VSB 14 is interpreted and applied have led to confusion, delays and frustration for industry and certifiers alike.
The appeal follows the 2025 National Light Vehicle Modifications Summit, where Aaron De Rosario from the National Transport Commission (NTC) addressed more than 200 delegates with an update on the VSB 14 review.
Held as part of the Autocare 2025 Convention in Brisbane, the Summit brought together certifiers, engineers, manufacturers, compliance specialists, regulators, and enforcement agencies from across the country. It is the only national forum where all sectors of the light vehicle modifications ecosystem gather to share insights, identify barriers, and collaborate on practical reform.
AAAA Chief Executive Officer Stuart Charity said the level of engagement at the Summit underlines the importance of the review — and the widespread desire across industry and government for nationally consistent, modern, and workable standards.
“We have a rare opportunity to address decades of regulatory inconsistency and confusion,” said Mr Charity. “The current state-by-state patchwork of rules is costly, frustrating, and inefficient for both industry and regulators. The VSB 14 review is our best chance to fix that — to deliver a clear, practical and safety-focused national framework.”
The AAAA has written to the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, encouraging her to maintain strong Ministerial oversight and ensure the review does not slip down the government’s priority list.
“Reform at this scale only succeeds when it is visible at the highest levels. We understand the Minister is managing a wide range of national priorities, but this one matters. National consistency matters. So does productivity — and a streamlined, harmonised regulatory system will deliver real productivity gains across manufacturing, engineering, certification and enforcement.”
The AAAA emphasises that time lost to navigating conflicting jurisdictional requirements represents a significant productivity burden, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.
“This is a government that rightly wants to lift productivity — and VSB 14 is a textbook example of how smart regulation can reduce red tape, lower compliance costs, and unlock efficiency,” Mr Charity said. He also praised the NTC for its leadership of the review process and thanked Mr De Rosario for engaging directly with National Light Vehicle Modifications Summit delegates.
“Having Aaron in the room sent a clear message that government is listening — and that collaboration is valued. That momentum now needs to be maintained through the next stage of the review.”
“This is not about lowering standards — it’s about raising confidence. We want a clear, fit-for-purpose system that supports innovation while upholding safety. The industry is ready to play its part. But we need a framework that reflects the complexity and capability of modern vehicles and modification practices,” said Mr Charity.