Automotive Right To Repair Authority Holds Inaugural Meeting

A significant milestone toward the implementation of the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme was reached with the inaugural board meeting of the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA). The meeting was held at the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) national office.

The AASRA is the industry body formed to ‘operationalise’ the new legislation which comes into force on 1 July 2022. The Board of Directors includes representatives from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) and the AAAA.

“After months of informal meetings and work behind the scenes, the Authority’s first official meeting is a highly significant moment that demonstrates the extensive progress made in the implementation of the new mandatory data sharing law for our industry,” said Stuart Charity, CEO at the AAAA. “It’s great to have the parties all come together and work constructively to support the new law for the benefit of the industry and consumers.”

According to the AAAA, the AASRA will oversee and manage the release of security related information along with EV service and repair information, as well as provide education, follow up any missing information, provide a dispute mediation and resolution service, and recommend improvements as necessary. The Australian data sharing scheme will be based on the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), a model used in the United States which allows for the safe, simple and secure transfer of required data to repairers.

“The key message for independent repairers is that we are on track and working hard to ensure everything is in place for the Law and we are confident the rollout of the scheme will be ready for 1 July 2022,” Charity said.

The AAAA said details about how to access information, what will be available and at what cost will be shared via AAAA communication channels over the coming months. The Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo from 7 to 9 April 2022 will have dedicated seminars to help industry members learn how the law works.