Tag: Regulatory

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

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

NZ Warrant of Fitness (WoFs) extensions could have dire consequences for COVID-hit workshops

As part of national COVID-19 relief measures, the New Zealand Transport Agency is allowing vehicle owners a reprieve on mandatory Warrants of Fitness (WoFs) checks until October 10, but the NZ Motor Transport Association warns this could result in years of havoc for both workshop owners and motorists if left unrevised as lockdown restrictions lift. … Continue reading NZ Warrant of Fitness (WoFs) extensions could have dire consequences for COVID-hit workshops

AAAA, HVIA push for auto repair and parts to be classified ‘essential business’

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association and Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia are campaigning for the government to include automotive parts and repair services on the ‘essential business’ list, enabling them to remain open under lockdown conditions in order to support emergency vehicles, essential transportation services and those who will need to support the most vulnerable members … Continue reading AAAA, HVIA push for auto repair and parts to be classified ‘essential business’

Auto repair information sharing to become law

The Australian Federal Government has confirmed it will mandate automotive repair information sharing between vehicle manufacturers and independent workshops, helping level the competitive playing field against dealership service centres. Announcing the intention to make data sharing law late last month, assistant federal treasurer Michael Sukkar said the legislation “will mandate that all service and repair … Continue reading Auto repair information sharing to become law

Scenes from 37th Open-ended Working Group Meeting in Geneva Photos by IISD/Mike Muzurakis (www.iisd.ca/ozone/oewg37/4apr.html)

Talks start for real in Geneva after years of deadlock By Refrigerants Australia executive director Greg Picker, reporting from Switzerland Negotiations on an HFC phase-down began in Geneva in April this year.  These talks are noteworthy because for the first time since the proposal to phase down HFCs was suggested in 2009, there was agreement … Continue reading HFC phase-down hope

Singapore skyline

An investigation into a fatal August 2012 hydrocarbon refrigerant blast in Singapore has concluded, with the employer of the killed worker and their two injured colleagues fined $S150,000 ($A146,200). In a cruel irony, the workers were called to the job because Singapore authorities had issued notice of their intention to ban the use of hydrocarbon … Continue reading $150K fine for deadly Singapore HC blast

Refrigerant cylinders F-gas

Australia’s federal government must consider emerging issues in Europe concerning refrigerant stockpiling and the need for accurate data as Australia moves towards an HFC phase-down. The government is expected to look to the EU as the model for fluorinated gas regulation aimed at dramatically reducing F-gas emissions – the target there being two thirds of … Continue reading Australia must learn from massive HFC stockpile prompted by EU F-Gas regulation

Airgas refrigerant recycling

International study rates Australian stewardship Australia leads the world for refrigerant management but the UK has the highest refrigerant recovery rate, according to a research report published recently by the US Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Billed as the biggest attempt ever to determine the refrigerant ‘lay of the land’ on a global scale, … Continue reading Australia leads the world at refrigerant management

Australian cash money

THE Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has hailed the Turnbull government’s announcement that it will proceed with the controversial ‘effects test’ and tackle the misuse of market power by big businesses as “a big win for small business”. ARC, which administers refrigerant handling licences and refrigerant trading authorisations on behalf of the federal government, described the … Continue reading ARC, VACC welcome effects test