A combined review of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 and the Motor Vehicle Repairers Act 2003 was recently completed.

Review purpose

The key purpose of the review was to assess the effectiveness of the legislation and to ensure it is appropriate and operating in the interests of both consumers and industry.

Review finding

The review found that the legislation appears to be operating reasonably well but that there remains scope for a number of regulatory reforms.

Final report

As a result, the final report in the form of a Decision Regulatory Impact Statement (DRIS) recommends a number of reforms which were endorsed by Cabinet in July 2019.

In recommending reforms, the primary goal is to provide appropriate protections for consumers whilst at the same time maintaining the commercial viability of the motor vehicle sales and repair industries.

The DRIS final report outlines the issues raised during the review; reports on stakeholder input to the review; assesses options for change; and makes recommendations for reform.

Stakeholder consultation

The DRIS represents the third and final stage of the review.

Earlier stages of the review included extensive stakeholder consultation comprising:

• the public release of a consultation discussion paper in August 2013, Review of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 and Motor Vehicle Repairers Act 2003 to identify key issues;
• online surveys targeting motor vehicle dealers, repairers and consumers; and
• the public release of a Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (CRIS) in November 2015, Review of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 and Motor Vehicle Repairers Act 2003 inviting stakeholder input to the review.

The review attracted a total of 83 written submissions and 650 survey responses.

Compliance

The DRIS has been certified by the Department of Treasury’s Better Regulation Unit as complying with the Government’s Regulatory Impact Assessment Guidelines.

Next steps

The Government will proceed with drafting amendments to the legislation in readiness for consideration by Parliament.

Downloads and resources

Review of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 and the Motor Vehicle Repairers Act 2003 DRIS released in July 2019.

Review of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 and Motor Vehicle Repairers Act 2003 CRIS released in November 2015.

Review of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 and Motor Vehicle Repairers Act 2003 discussion paper released in August 2013.

More information

Motor vehicle consumer section

Motor vehicle industry section