The Motor Traders’ Association of NSW (MTA NSW) is aiming to clarify the Motor Dealers and Repairers Regulation.
The top auto repair industry body is fostering industry input as part of the ongoing public consultation on the proposed reforms which will remain open until May 30, 2025.
As the automotive industry experiences its most substantial transformation in over a century, MTA NSW has been proactively engaging with the NSW Government throughout the consultation process.
This engagement aims to ensure that the proposed regulations effectively support the myriad of automotive businesses and consumers throughout the state.
“There has been considerable confusion circulating about these reforms,” MTA NSW CEO Stavros Yallouridis said.
“The reality is that these changes extend far beyond new EV licensing requirements and include important updates that will modernise our industry, such as enabling online vehicle sales, reducing regulatory red tape, and other important industry matters.”
Clearing things up
MTA NSW specifically highlights the changes concerning electric vehicle repair. Only designated tradespeople who work directly on high-voltage systems in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) — a newly defined repair class — will be required to undergo additional upskilling.
This requirement does not extend to existing hybrid vehicles. Tradespersons possessing a Certificate III qualification are not required to undergo any further training if they are currently engaged in work on internal combustion engines (ICE) or established hybrid vehicles.
However, should a current tradesperson (Cert III) choose to repair or service BEVs in the future, they will need to complete the proposed pathway (AURSS00064). Additionally, tradespeople with low-scope certificates who opt to work on electric or hybrid vehicles will be mandated to complete a one-day safety training course as part of their requirements.
“As the largest private automotive Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in NSW, with over 2,200 apprentices in training, we’ve already helped more than 800 individuals complete EV training,” Yallouridis added.
“This demonstrates not only the industry’s readiness to adapt but also the strong demand for these skills as the market evolves.”
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“Of the approximately 23 million vehicles on Australian roads, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles account for over 300,000 nationwide, representing only 1.3 per cent of the total fleet. In NSW specifically, the electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles currently registered are approximately 100,000.”
“This modest but growing segment underscores why the timing of these regulatory reforms is appropriate. It’s important to undergo due diligence and preparation without undue urgency, as the market naturally evolves.”
“We thank the NSW Government for its collaborative approach throughout this process,” Yallouridis added. “MTA NSW will continue to examine the draft regulations carefully to ensure that safety comes first for all, while supporting the automotive industry through this critical transition.”
The Association is advocating for a three-year transition period for any training-related compliance and continues to push for government-funded support to provide equitable and timely access to training, particularly for small workshops and those in rural areas.