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AAAA tackles regulation, advocates for progress toward a clean economy

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) is at the forefront of two major developments shaping the nation’s automotive future: the review of Australian Design Rules (ADR) and the critical role of local technicians in the clean energy transition.

Addressing ADR challenges

The AAAA has welcomed the review of the ADR framework, in which the federal government will seek to harmonise ADRs with international standards while considering local needs, regarded by many in the industry as a long-overdue opportunity to address systemic flaws and align regulations with the realities of Australia’s automotive market.

AAAA director of government relations and advocacy Lesley Yates said it was important to adapt ADRs so they reflect Australia’s unique vehicle demographics, which increasingly favour 4x4s and other types of recreational vehicles over European models.

“ADRs have long been influenced by European regulations, but they no longer reflect the realities of the Australian market,” she said.

Lesley Yates
Lesley Yates

“Our industry is conducting more ADR compliance testing than ever before. This review must address jurisdictional inconsistencies, streamline compliance, and ensure new measures are evidence-based and proportionate to actual risks.”

The AAAA has contributed to the public consultation, advocating for balanced regulations that support the diverse range of vehicle modifications vital to the industry’s innovation and growth.

Pioneering the clean economy

Meanwhile, the AAAA has highlighted the crucial role of local technicians in supporting Australia’s growing fleet of hybrid and electric vehicles – it is projected that around 3.4 million electrified vehicles will be on Australian roads by 2030, requiring 21,000 adequately trained technicians to manage an estimated 5.98 million services annually.

Despite federal initiatives, including the introduction of OSCA occupation codes for roles like electrified vehicle technicians, AAAA CEO Stuart Charity said further investment in skills training and infrastructure was vital.

“EV infrastructure must encompass all services an EV owner requires – no one is more vital to a vehicle owner than their local mechanic,” he said.

However, proposals in New South Wales and Western Australia to impose additional mandatory training requirements threaten to fragment the skills landscape and burden technicians with unnecessary delays.

Stuart Charity
Stuart Charity

The AAAA has called on the federal government to harmonise skill requirements across states and territories, and to collaborate with local governments to address the immediate needs of the automotive workforce.

Charity said the proposals in NSW and WA “perpetuate outdated stereotypes” and that “automotive technicians are already highly skilled and capable of adapting to the transition to EVs”.

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