VACC Backs Right to Repair Expansion as a Win for Independent Repairers and Australian Motorists

25 May 2026

Melbourne, VIC – The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has welcomed the release of the Australian Government's discussion paper proposing to expand the Right to Repair framework to agricultural machinery and strengthen the existing Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme (MVIS).

VACC Chief Executive Officer Peter Jones said the discussion paper represented a meaningful commitment to building a fairer and more competitive repair market for independent businesses across Victoria, Tasmania and beyond.

"VACC has been a consistent advocate for Right to Repair, and we are pleased to see the Government progressing this reform in a substantive and considered way," Mr Jones said.

"The motor vehicle scheme has already delivered real results — a $2.4 billion expansion in the repair sector's annual turnover since it commenced is not a minor achievement. It demonstrates that when independent repairers are given fair access to the information they need, they compete, grow, and deliver for consumers.

"This discussion paper builds on that foundation and addresses some of the practical barriers that still exist in the day-to-day operation of the scheme."

The discussion paper proposes extending the Right to Repair framework to agricultural machinery — a move VACC said reflects the same information asymmetry that has historically disadvantaged independent automotive repairers.

The paper also identifies a range of targeted improvements to the existing MVIS, including reforms to the treatment of electronic logbooks, intermediaries, scheme pricing transparency, safety information, security information access, scheme governance and enforcement.

VACC acknowledged the leadership of the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, in progressing the reforms.

"Minister Leigh has shown genuine understanding of the competitive dynamics at play in repair markets and the real-world impact these reforms have on independent businesses," Mr Jones said.

"We congratulate him and the Government on moving this process forward."

Mr Jones said the proposed reforms around electronic logbooks and intermediaries were particularly significant for VACC members.

"The shift toward software-defined vehicles has fundamentally changed what it means to run an independent repair business," he said.

"Access to a vehicle is no longer enough — repairers need access to the data, diagnostic systems and service histories that tell them what the vehicle actually needs. Without that access, independent operators are effectively locked out of an increasing share of the work coming through their doors.

"Independent repairers need to be able to access and update electronic service records on equal terms with dealer networks. They need data aggregators and tool manufacturers to have proper access to scheme information so that the tools on workshop floors actually work.

"These are not peripheral issues — they go directly to whether independent repairers can do their jobs.

"The proposals in this paper address exactly the kinds of structural barriers VACC and TACC have been raising with government on behalf of our members across Victoria and Tasmania."

Mr Jones said VACC was also supportive of efforts to reduce regulatory burdens on safety information, streamline access to security information, and improve pricing transparency under the scheme.

"Compliance burden should not fall disproportionately on repairers and small businesses," he said.

"These proposals strike a reasonable balance between protecting critical systems and ensuring independent operators are not caught up in unnecessary red tape."

VACC also flagged that it would use the consultation process to advocate for the future expansion of the Right to Repair framework to heavy vehicles and motorcycles — two categories currently outside the scheme's scope but representing a significant portion of the vehicles serviced by VACC and TACC members.

"The discussion paper proposes giving the Scheme Adviser a formal role in recommending future vehicle class expansions, and we intend to make full use of that mechanism," Mr Jones said.

"Heavy vehicle operators and motorcycle riders deserve the same protections and competitive repair market access as passenger vehicle owners. We will be making that case clearly in our submission."

END

Media contact:

Andrew Molloy
Manager Marketing, Media, Communications
P. 03 9829 1248 | M. 0457 188 375 | E. [email protected] | W. vacc.com.au

Karla Leach
Executive Manager, Marketing and Communications
P. 03 9829 1247 | M. 0429 334 832 | E. [email protected] | W. vacc.com.au

About VACC
Founded in 1918, the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) represents over 5,000 businesses in Victoria and Tasmania that employ more than 50,000 people. Member businesses range from new and used vehicle dealers, repairers, vehicle servicing, parts and component wholesale/retail and distribution and aftermarket manufacture, tyre dealers and automotive dismantlers and recyclers.

VACC develops the future workforce, employing 610 apprentices and trainees through its group apprenticeship scheme, and maintains memberships with the Motor Trades Association of Australia and Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and contributes to the national policy debate through these leading industry associations.