MACPartners Europe, the continental cousin of VASA, has launched a new website to support the automotive air-conditioning industry in Europe that provides a centralised portal for webinars and technical bulletins and an opportunity to connect with members of the community, to help strengthen and unite the automotive air-conditioning industry as a whole. Founded in June 2004 by … Continue reading VASA’s European Counterpart Launches New Website, Resource to Support Auto-AC industry
ASA welcomes the upcoming replacement of controversial Unit of Competency AURETU005 “Retrofit and modify air conditioning and HVAC systems” as part of a broader update to the Automotive Retail, Service and Repair (AUR) Training Package due to concerns raised by this organisation and other industry groups. Continue reading Common sense prevails in change to HC retrofit requirements within AUR Training Package
The Australian Federal Government has announced plans that will enable tradespeople with a state government occupational licence could have their licence automatically recognised in all states and territories from 1 January 2021. It is proposed that individual tradespeople with an occupational licence in one Australian jurisdiction will automatically be able to take equivalent work in … Continue reading Automatic cross-border trades licensing recognition finally on the horizon for Australia
A pioneering vehicle air conditioning specialist and VASA member, Graeme Nathan, one of a long line of Nathans who were prominent in the early Victorian auto industry, died recently in Melbourne, after a long battle with health issues. The family patriarch was Graeme’s grandfather, Myer Nathan, a savvy engineer, who owned a large dealership in … Continue reading Vale Graeme Nathan: VASA honours a true pioneer
Transport industry publisher and journalist Christopher Mullett unexpectedly passed away this month due to complications from routine surgery. He founded the Motoring Matters Magazine Group, which operates the successful PowerTorque and Delivery titles, aimed respectively at the heavy truck and light commercial vehicle sectors. ECOcar magazine was also among the Motoring Maters stable for 20 … Continue reading Vale Christopher Mullett: Publisher and journalist
The Australian Government’s JobKeeper support package has been extended to March 28 2021, with a few catches, while the Apprentice Wage Subsidy has been extended and broadened to include medium-sized businesses with up to 199 employees. JobKeeper eligibility tests requiring businesses to demonstrate ongoing impacts to their turnover will continue each quarter and the payouts … Continue reading Australian Government updates support packages from September 2020 onwards
The New South Wales Government is inviting submissions into its review of the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act that regulates the state’s automotive industry. In addition to providing a regulatory framework for motor dealers, recyclers, repairers and related trades plus standards of conduct and obligations for licensees, the Act contains compliance and enforcement mechanisms and … Continue reading NSW workshops invited to provide feedback on Motor Dealers and Repairers Act review
Those venturing out of home in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire face a $200 fine for not wearing a protective mask. This includes employees in the workplace unless a lawful exemption or reason applies. Advice from the Victorian government is that employers ensure their employees wear face coverings while they are working, unless lawfully exempt. … Continue reading Masks mandatory in Melbourne & Mitchell Shire: Your obligations in the workplace
Toyota Australia has opened the first stage of its new Hydrogen Centre, which is based at the Toyota Centre of Excellence in Melbourne. The inaugurated section of the new facility, which was opened on the 50th anniversary of the Earth Day environmental movement, is an education centre. It will teach visitors about the potential of … Continue reading Toyota establishes hydrogen foothold in Australia
Case Construction Equipment has unveiled the industry’s first all-electric backhoe loader, the 580 EV. The US-based manufacturer says its new machine, the show model of which was dubbed “Project Zeus”, offers the performance of a diesel equivalent in conjunction with lower operating costs and zero local emissions. It’s no light-duty backhoe loader, either. Power comes … Continue reading Case unveils first electric backhoe loader
