Government Strengthens Australia’s World-Leading Right To Repair Law — Cutting Costs And Boosting Choice For Motorists
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) today welcomed the Australian Government’s response to Treasury’s review of the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme (MVIS), including consultation on targeted improvements that will make it easier and cheaper for independent workshops to access manufacturer repair information, protect consumer choice, and ensure Australian motorists continue to have competitive servicing options.
Building on the success of Australia’s world-leading Right to Repair Scheme, today the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP announced consultation on a suite of reforms aimed at protecting motorists’ freedom to choose where they service their vehicles, while improving access to repair information, adapting the Scheme to technological change, and strengthening transparency and regulatory settings.
These reforms include: electronic logbooks; expanded access for intermediaries; smarter access to higher-risk repair information with appropriate safeguards; improved hardware and diagnostic tool access; smarter handling of safety and security information; and more visible, practical compliance and enforcement.
“These are the real-world issues workshops encounter when servicing modern vehicles,” said Stuart Charity, CEO of AAAA. “Getting them right will determine whether the Scheme continues to deliver consistently across all makes and models — particularly for multi-brand workshops that form the backbone of Australia’s independent repair sector.”
“If a motorist chooses an independent workshop, that choice should not come with strings attached,” Mr Charity said. “For example, Australians should be able to maintain a complete service record wherever they choose to service their vehicle — and that service history should be portable, usable, and recognised.”
The Government’s response also confirms the Scheme is delivering as intended. The Treasury review found it has expanded consumer choice, improved access to repair information and supported safe, timely vehicle repairs, and has been associated with an estimated $2.4 billion increase in automotive industry turnover annually. Independent workshops are experiencing improved capability, productivity and profitability.
This uplift reflects a more competitive repair market where independent workshops can do more work, more efficiently — delivering better value for Australian motorists.
“Right to Repair is delivering for motorists and small business, and this review is a clear endorsement that the Scheme is working,” Mr Charity said.
AAAA commended Treasury’s Right to Repair Unit for the integrity and technical rigour of its review, and for a respectful, thorough consultation process. AAAA also acknowledged the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP for continued leadership on right to repair, productivity and competition.
The Government has also confirmed that the Scheme must continue to evolve as vehicles become more connected and software-driven, with telematics remaining on the reform agenda. As connected-car data increasingly shapes what is diagnosable, repairable and affordable, AAAA welcomed the Government’s recognition that the Scheme must keep pace to protect consumer choice and fair competition.
“Connected-car data is already reshaping the repair landscape,” Mr Charity said. “We welcome the Government keeping telematics on the agenda and look forward to continued consultation on a clear, workable pathway that protects consumer choice and competition.”
The review also noted the role of the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA) in supporting the day-to-day operation of the Scheme. AAAA recognises AASRA’s role in providing practical guidance and support to repairers.
AAAA also welcomed the Government’s announcement that it will consult on extending right to repair to agricultural machinery, reinforcing that right to repair is a broader competition and productivity reform agenda.
“Expanding right to repair to agriculture recognises the same principles at play — fair access, reduced downtime and stronger competition,” Mr Charity said. “It is an important next step in ensuring right to repair continues to deliver tangible benefits for Australian businesses and consumers alike.”
AAAA said it looks forward to engaging constructively in the consultation process to ensure reforms deliver practical improvements for workshops and motorists, and that Australia’s right to repair framework remains world-leading as the industry evolves.