‘Right to Repair’ scheme passes in Australia
The “Right to Repair” scheme is set to become law after it was recently passed by the Australian senate, as reported in Bodyshop News Australia.
The Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme Bill will make it illegal for car manufacturers to withhold information from qualified independent bodyshops and repairers.
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association CEO Stuart Charity said: “The mandatory scheme will require all motor vehicle service and repair information to be made available for purchase by independent repairers at a fair market price. The scheme will be monitored for compliance by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
“We started campaigning for this law a decade ago – it has been a long time coming but it will be welcome news for the automotive industry. The law comes as the result of unprecedented industry co-operation, with more than 75 workshops hosting visits from their local MPs to demonstrate what happens when vehicle manufacturers withhold software updates and technical service bulletins.”
According to the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce, work is already underway to assist the Department of Treasury in designing information-sharing scheme rules. Its CEO Geoff Gwilym said: “Australian motorists will now know their chosen repairer has access to critical service and repair information.”
The new law comes into force on 1 July 2022.
