The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) has warned governments against introducing new or additional licensing requirements for electric vehicle (EV) servicing and repair, calling instead for a nationally consistent, evidence-based and practical approach that builds on existing automotive frameworks.
MTAA said proposals to create separate state-based EV licensing or certification schemes risk increasing costs for consumers, constraining workforce participation and reducing repair capacity without demonstrable safety or productivity benefits.
The warning comes amid ongoing consideration by a number of state governments of new regulatory models for EV servicing and repair.
MTAA emphasised that while the transition to electric vehicles represents a significant technological shift, it does not justify duplicative or unnecessary licensing regimes, particularly where robust systems already exist.
Australia’s EV market continues to expand rapidly, with more than 157,000 electric vehicles sold nationally in 2025, representing 13.1% of all new vehicle sales. Uptake has continued to accelerate in 2026, with battery electric vehicles reaching a record 19.9% of all new vehicle sales in May 2026.
Peter Jones, Interim Executive Director of the MTAA, said governments must ensure their regulatory response supports the transition – not inadvertently slows it through unnecessary intervention.
“The industry is already delivering safe, effective EV servicing under established frameworks,” Mr Jones said.
“Introducing new licensing requirements where they are not needed risks increasing costs, reducing repair access and placing further pressure on an already constrained workforce.”
Mr Jones said the focus should be on practical safety outcomes and workforce capability, not on creating new layers of regulation that duplicate existing systems.
“This is not a regulatory gap that needs filling,” he said.
“We already have nationally recognised training, established safety standards and detailed manufacturer and repair procedures in place. The priority should be ensuring these are consistently applied – not replaced with fragmented licensing regimes.”
MTAA reiterated that the automotive industry already operates under comprehensive workplace health and safety laws, supported by nationally endorsed training units for EV servicing and high-voltage systems, as well as Australian Standard AS 5732:2022 covering EV maintenance and repair.
The association pointed to the recent Western Australian Government consultation under the Motor Vehicle Repairers Act 2003 (WA), which concluded that introducing a new EV repair licence class or additional qualification requirements was not warranted at this time.
That outcome reflected concerns that premature licensing reform could impose unnecessary costs, create barriers to entry and exacerbate workforce shortages while the EV repair sector is still maturing.
MTAA also highlighted risks associated with proposals that would require licensed electricians to undertake tasks such as EV de-energisation before automotive technicians can perform repair work.
“De-energisation is already an established automotive repair function, supported by existing training and safety protocols,” Mr Jones said.
“Requiring additional trades to perform these tasks would add cost, delay repairs and create inefficiencies for no clear safety benefit.”
MTAA noted that vehicle manufacturers design EV systems and safety procedures specifically for use by trained automotive technicians operating within recognised automotive repair frameworks.
At the national level, MTAA also raised concerns that broader efforts to harmonise occupational licensing in electrical and engineering trades could inadvertently capture automotive EV servicing work.
The Association said it will continue to engage with the Federal Government to ensure existing automotive competencies are recognised and preserved.
MTAA said any future policy approach must be guided by clear principles:
- No new licensing without clear evidence of a safety or market failure
- National consistency to avoid fragmentation and duplication
- Recognition of existing automotive training and competencies
- Practical, proportionate regulation that is aligned to real-world repair practices
- Support for workforce participation and consumer access to repairs
“The objective should be to enable the EV transition – not regulate ahead of the evidence,” Mr Jones said.
“If we get this wrong, we risk creating higher costs, reduced competition and limited repair access for Australian motorists.”
“If we get it right, we can build on the strong foundations already in place and support a safe, efficient and scalable transition to electric vehicles.”
ENDS
Media contact
Andrew Molloy
Manager Marketing & Communications
Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce
P: 03 9829 1248 | M: 0457 188 375
E: amolloy@vacc.com.au
