Inaugural cross-bench engagement day in Canberra

Our Head of Government Relations and Advocacy, Collin Jennings, spent a full day in Canberra meeting with key politicians to discuss the critical issues facing the automotive industry. With a Federal Election on the horizon, it's crucial to communicate the industry's priorities early.

Collin was joined by two MTA members and business owners, Donna Axiak and Carly Ruggeri, along with policy group members Dr. Imogen Garcia Reid of the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce, and Matthew Hobbs, CEO of MTAA.





They key topics that were discussed include:

• Federally mandating the MVIRI Code of Conduct.
• Addressing end-of-life vehicles and tyre stewardship.
• Extending the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
• The need for significant investment in EV training to ensure a skilled workforce that is prepared to meet future demands.
• Seeking federal support for automotive businesses to prepare for EV servicing and sales.
• Emphasising the importance of skilled migration and advocating for the inclusion of automotive occupations on the Core Skills Priority List (CSOL).

Meetings were held with the following political figures:

• Dai Le MP (Independent, NSW)
• Senator David Van (Independent, Victoria)
• Senator Pauline Hanson (One Nation Party, Queensland)
• Office of Ms. Rebecca Sharkie MP (Independent, SA)
• Adam Bandt MP (Greens Leader, Victoria)
• Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP (Greens Spokesperson for Transport, Queensland)
• Office of the Hon. Chris Bowen MP (Minister for Climate Change and Energy)
• The Hon. Bob Katter MP (Independent, Queensland)
• Dr. Anne Webster MP (National Party, Victoria)

Additionally, productive discussions were held with:

• Minister Andrew Giles MP
• Libby Coker MP (ALP, Victoria)
• Zali Steggall MP (Independent, NSW)
• The Hon. Bruce Billson (Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman)

The day was highly productive, with important progress made on the priority issues affecting the automotive industry. We look forward to continuing these discussions during our next crossbench engagement day in September.