AAAA News

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has welcomed the Western Australian Government’s measured approach to the future regulation of electric vehicle (EV) repair work, following the release of its consultation outcome report on certification of repairers under the Motor Vehicle Repairers Act 2003 (WA).

The report recommends that a new EV repair class and related qualification requirements not be introduced at this time, and instead proposes a further review in the first half of 2027.

AAAA Chief Executive Officer Stuart Charity said the WA process had delivered a practical outcome at a time when governments are still considering how best to support a safe transition to EV servicing and repair.

“Western Australia has taken a careful, evidence-based approach,” Mr Charity said.

“This report reinforces a key point the aftermarket has been making: if governments move too early to impose mandatory EV licensing, they risk worsening skills shortages, increasing costs for workshops, and reducing repair availability for motorists.”

The WA report acknowledges that existing safeguards already apply, including work health and safety obligations, Australian Consumer Law requirements, existing training and standards, and manufacturer-led training. It also notes strong stakeholder concern that duplicative mandatory requirements would impose unnecessary costs and create barriers for repair businesses, particularly while the EV repair market is still developing.

Mr Charity said the report should be seen as an important precedent for other jurisdictions, noting it confirms that introducing mandatory EV licensing too early can worsen skills shortages, create costs, and reduce repair availability — a significant finding that deserves close attention across Australia.

The WA report finds the market is still maturing, with workforce shortages in key trades, and that future regulatory settings must reflect market development, training availability and regional service access, while recognising premature intervention could disproportionately affect small, medium and regional repair businesses.

AAAA said the decision not to proceed with a new EV repair class at this stage is not a rejection of safety, but a recognition that safety outcomes must be achieved in a proportionate and workable way.

“Safety matters enormously, but it is not served by blunt regulation that reduces repair capacity, weakens workforce supply and limits access to timely and affordable repairs. Good regulation should lift standards without restricting access, competition and capability,” Mr Charity said.

The Association said the outcome highlights the need to distinguish between safety training and new occupational barriers. While the report does not mandate new requirements, it signals that any future framework must be carefully calibrated and supported by pathways for upskilling existing repairers.

AAAA said it now expects other jurisdictions, including New South Wales, to take note of the process undertaken in Western Australia.

“Other governments should examine this report closely and ensure their approaches are proportionate, practical and supported by the evidence,” Mr Charity said.

“As the vehicle fleet changes, governments must work with industry to build skills and maintain safe repair pathways — not rush into regulatory models that may unintentionally make the problem worse.”

The WA report was provided to AAAA by the WA Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety, which confirmed it includes recommendations and findings on the possible future regulation of EV repair work.