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The Australian government has listed hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and some HFC alternatives on the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) workplan for 2026-27, signalling that new restrictions on refrigerant use – including in pre-charged equipment – could be finalised by 1 July 2027. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) confirmed the … Continue reading Australia flags new HFC restrictions, lists refrigerants on 2026-27 IChEMS workplan

Longstanding VASA corporate member JAS Oceania has joined forces with Baxters and Federal Batteries to create the JAS Auto Electrical Group, forming a single national supplier across automotive electrical, air-conditioning, lighting, battery and heavy-duty categories. The consolidation brings together JAS Oceania’s 39 branches and its strength in automotive electrical, air-conditioning and lighting products, Baxters’ 11-location … Continue reading JAS Oceania, Baxters, Federal Batteries merge to form JAS Auto Electrical Group

The Australian government has committed to extending Right to Repair reforms to agricultural machinery in the policy’s most significant expansion since the pioneering Motor Vehicle Information Sharing (MVIS) Scheme was introduced in July 2022. In a move being framed as a major productivity lever for regional Australia, federal treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed “the Commonwealth will … Continue reading Right to Repair flagged as productivity priority, farm machinery to be included

Several Australian automotive industry bodies have criticised the federal government’s decision to halve apprenticeship incentives from January 2026, warning that the cut will worsen the automotive sector’s chronic skills shortage and ultimately cost consumers through higher repair bills and longer wait times. The government plans to cut the Priority Hiring Incentive from $5000 to $2500 … Continue reading Auto industry slams apprenticeship incentive cuts

Australia’s automotive air conditioning industry has responded strongly to the review of the Australian Automotive Code of Practice: Control of refrigerant gases during manufacture, installation, servicing or de-commissioning of motor vehicle air conditioners. Automotive Air Conditioning Electrical and Cooling Technicians of Australasia (VASA) has received numerous individual responses and detailed submissions from key industry bodies … Continue reading Strong industry input for Code of Practice as December 31 deadline nears

The Queensland-founded Auto Women initiative is expanding into a nationwide movement with plans for new events, resources and partnerships across multiple states and territories. Founded in 2022, the program has grown into a community of women representing diverse roles across the automotive sector – including technicians, service advisors, apprentices, business owners, administration staff and motorsport … Continue reading Queensland’s Auto Women initiative expands nationally

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released proposed Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Rule 27, expanding the list of acceptable refrigerants for motor vehicle air-conditioning (MVAC) systems, including R1234yf for buses and heavy-duty vehicles, plus the addition of R444A, R456A, R452A, R480A and R1234yf as acceptable retrofits in certain applications. Mobile Air Climate … Continue reading US EPA proposes YF for buses and heavy vehicles, lists potential retrofits

VASA members are invited to contribute to a national review of training materials for handling flammable refrigerant gases, with a survey from the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA) open until 5pm on Wednesday 31 December 2025. The project is reviewing and updating key units of competency within AUR20220 Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning … Continue reading National training review seeks industry input on flammable refrigerant handling