After 18 months at the helm of Australia’s key motoring industry body, Matt Hobbs will step aside as Chief Executive Officer of the MTAA.
Rod Camm from the MTA Qld will serve as interim leader.
The move at the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) – which is the parent body for the state based Motoring industry Associations – comes following the association’s decision to restructure its operations.
Reports say the MTAA said its board and Hobbs mutually agreed to the decision, adding that the move “presents an opportunity to further strengthen our collaborative approach, ensuring that key industry voices are well-aligned to maximise impact and advocacy efforts.”
Knocking on many doors
Hobbs joined the organisation in October 2023 and played an ongoing advocacy role, lobbying in Canberra and elsewhere for key industry reforms, including the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) and the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct.
He has been a vocal proponent of the MVIRI Code of conduct, that is currently still open for public feedback and has argued to be effective ‘it needs teeth’ and should be compulsory.
He has highlighted the need for government support in automotive’s ongoing struggle with skills shortages.
He has also helped develop an end of life strategy for motor vehicles in Australia and most recently has had wins for automotive from the federal government in reforms to the Franchising act and Fair Trade Practices Act.
Hobbs “championed” the interests of motor trades businesses across Australia and “reinforced the MTAA’s position as a leading industry voice”, it said in a statement.
“Matt has been a passionate advocate for the automotive sector, leading vital industry discussions and representing the interests of our members with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his tireless efforts and wish him every success in his future endeavours,” said Frank Agostino, Chair of the MTAA.
The road ahead
The MTAA will continue to prioritise key industry initiatives, particularly the ongoing development of the Code, the Franchising Code of Conduct, and the NVES, it said in a statement.
“Ensuring that these regulatory frameworks are designed effectively to support the long-term success and sustainability of businesses within the sector remains of the utmost importance. In the coming weeks, the MTAA will be engaging closely with relevant government and industry committees to drive these discussions forward.”
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Rod Camm, current CEO of MTA Queensland, has been appointed as Interim CEO of MTAA.
“Rod brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the automotive industry, and his leadership will ensure that the organisation remains focused on delivering critical industry outcomes while a permanent appointment is considered.”