CEO Update - August 2022

Wishing a warm welcome to all of our Members as we progress into the 2nd Half of this year. In late July, Australia's peak National, State and Territory automotive representative organisations, including MTA NSW, reached a historic agreement on critical positions and pathways to achieve the considered and practical transition to electrification of the national motor vehicle fleet.  

At an industry summit in Canberra, the organisations representing thousands of businesses that make, sell, distribute, provide novated leasing, service, repair, supply aftermarket parts, components, and accessories, dismantle, recycle, and train tens of thousands of automotive professionals, developed, and agreed to more than 25 principals ranging from embracing the electrification of the Australian motor vehicle fleet through to opposing the introduction of bans that limit consumer choice.

Over the coming weeks, the automotive organisations will engage with stakeholders, governments, and communities and share critical data and information to better balance discussion and partner with the Commonwealth Government to plan the actions necessary to reduce motor vehicle-sourced emissions. This certainly marks a watershed moment for the automotive industry.

In this issue we once again have all the news and information from a broad cross-section of the industry, all new automotive products and of course we connect with the people that make it all happen, both here and from around the country.
We are particularly pleased to bring you an update of some of the legislative and regulatory reforms currently impacting the automotive landscape, such as the changing face of franchised retail dealers, changes to the internal dispute resolution system and the increase in the high-income threshold. We also highlight the new wages and allowances for our industry awards, the increase in compulsory employer superannuation contributions and even some guidance on what is considered workplace bullying.
Other features include: Spirit Super with a timely reminder of the benefits and cost savings associated with combining your super into a single account. Garrett Advancing Motion, global leader in turbo technology discussing its upcoming training evenings across NSW and MTA NSW’s legal department providing an update on Australian consumer guarantees.
We introduce newly elected MTA NSW President John Young, speak with him about his business, his long relationship with the Association and of course the challenges and opportunities in the automotive industry.
In addition, Motor Trades Care, a subsidiary of the Motor Traders’ Association of NSW which works exclusively to help businesses create safe workplaces and to promote wellbeing within the motor trades industry, has announced the introduction of a Risk Management Framework to assist Members in understanding work health and safety duty of care.
Headlining our key features is our Member Spotlight where we meet Zeljko Strizić, current owner of Campbelltown Smash Repairs, who is no stranger to the collision repair industry following a long history of success running his own tow truck business.
With an ongoing focus on a sustainable future, we have a special report from Hyundai Motor Company who recently unveiled two great initiatives: “Habitat One”, an exhibition that proposes a new type of sustainable living environment, offering new perspectives on a sustainable future, and a Collaboration with the Rhode Island School of Design, exploring the relationship between nature, art and design.
And finally, we continue our Product Focus series, highlighting some of the latest products available from Bendix, Burson, Car-O-Liner and Narva.
As the economy encounters a number of speedbumps during this year, please be assured that if you require any assistance, please contact your local Area Manager or for any employment-related issues, call upon our Employment Relations Team for the correct advice regarding your staff or business requirements.

As always, we are here for you.

Chief Executive Officer

Stavros Yallouridis