Comment on the Government's Announcement of a Productivity Commission Inquiry into the Smash Repair Industry

The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), which has within its membership the Australian Motor Body Repairers Association (AMBRA), today welcomed the much anticipated announcement by the Treasurer and the Minister for Small Business of a Productivity Commission Inquiry into the Smash Repair industry and the Insurance Industry.

MTAA notes the strong support and encouragement given to the resolution of difficulties between the smash repair industry and insurance companies over time by the Minister for Small Business. The announcement today of this Inquiry consists with that and is most welcome.

MTAA believes that the terms of reference described by the Minister address the core issues for the industry at the moment which need to be addressed.

MTAA also notes the appointment of Mr Curt Rendall as an Associate Commissioner to the Inquiry. Mr Rendall is well known to small business having worked in it, with it and inquired into it over many years. MTAA welcomes Mr Rendall’s appointment for this purpose.

MTAA and its Member bodies;

• The Motor Trades Association of the ACT
• The Motor Traders Association of NSW
• The Motor Trades Association of the Northern Territory
• The Motor Trade Association of South Australia
• The Motor Trades Association of Queensland
• The Motor Trade Association of Western Australia
• The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (incorporating the Tasmanian Automobile Chamber of Commerce)

and AMBRA will be making strong and well considered and documented submissions to the Inquiry and will vigorously pursue a resolution of the untoward practices presently occurring in the smash repair industry to the disadvantage of those in it and to customers and repairers alike.

For further information please contact Mr Michael Delaney, Executive Director of MTAA, on (02) 6273 4333.