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Industry Forum Updates – May 2025

Throughout 2025, the Motor Trade Association of Western Australia (MTA WA) has powered up a dynamic series of Industry Forums — designed to bring together professionals, experts, and stakeholders from various sectors of the motor trade industry to discuss pressing issues, share insights, and explore possible solutions.

More specifically, the forums are designed to:

· Increase member and industry engagement

· Assist in the development of strategic advocacy policy to address current and emerging industry challenges

· Provide information on business development, education, and networking opportunities

· Facilitate collaboration and partnerships

These forums are your gateway to connecting with industry leaders, tackling key challenges, and shaping the future of your sector. So far, we've hit the ground running with the following forums:

  1. Motorcycles
  2. Caravan Dealers
  3. Commercial Vehicles
  4. Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealers
  5. Rental Vehicles
  6. Body Repairers
  7. Automotive Parts Recyclers

We’re looking forward to continuing these conversations throughout the year, with more forums planned to ensure every sector has a voice in shaping the future of Western Australia’s motor trade industry.

See the bottom of this article update for a list of upcoming forum dates.

May Industry Forums

Body Repairers

The MTA WA, in collaboration with other state associations, the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), and the Australian Motor Body Repairers Association (AMBRA), has been actively working to establish a fair and balanced framework that benefits both repairers and insurance companies.

As part of this effort, the MTA WA and its state counterparts have contributed to the review of the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct. Body repairers across Western Australia have been encouraged to review the Draft Code and supporting documentation to provide valuable feedback and recommendations.

On May 21, 2025, an online meeting was held to discuss key aspects of the Code review, including:

· The background and rationale for the review

· The importance of input from repairers in shaping the Draft Code

· The consultation process and timeline

· Collated feedback to be incorporated into the MTAA’s submission

· Areas of concern within the Draft Code for repairers

· Guidelines on how repairers and members can provide feedback

Engagement from body repairers has been crucial to ensure the revised Code effectively addresses industry concerns and establishes a framework that professionals can confidently operate within for years to come. This review presents a pivotal opportunity for repairers to influence industry standards that encourage stronger collaboration with insurers.

It is essential that the Draft Code reflects the needs of the repair sector, enabling businesses to maintain successful operations both now and into the future.

For further information, MTA WA members can email Marie Donato, Membership Services Manager at [email protected]

Caravan Dealers:

The recent Caravan Industry Forum brought together key players from across the sector, including retailers and repairers. The forum facilitated insightful discussions on several key topics, including:

· Statutory Obligations vs Consumer Guarantees

· DVS Centre – Dealer Priority Lines (Trial)

· RV manufacturers and repair qualifications, and the associated class of repair

· In-service vehicle modifications relating to GCM and GVM changes.

Automotive Parts Recyclers:

The Automotive Parts Recycling sector continues to show strong engagement and momentum. Grill and Grow was hosted at the impressive new JTW Autoparts facility in East Rockingham. The event brought together around 45 recyclers from across WA for an evening of networking, insights, and meaningful industry discussion.

A special thanks to MTA WA members Dave Smith and Michael Beasley for welcoming attendees and sharing their Automotive Parts Recycling journey, and to eBay for sponsoring the event. A highlight of the night was hearing from Gary from eBay Australia, who shared practical tips on growing online sales through the platform.

Representatives from Podium, Eladene, and Auto Enterprises also attended, contributing to an  and the evening filled with valuable conversations and connections.

Thank you to Chris Daglish of Auto Partnered Solutions for organising and championing events like this that drive the industry forward.

 

June Industry Forums:

Several key industries are still set to take centre stage. These upcoming sessions will explore emerging challenges and opportunities, continuing our mission to foster collaboration and drive meaningful outcomes across the automotive sector.

Upcoming Forums:

· 4WD Industry

· Tyre Dealers Industry

Please stay tuned for key dates.

If you have items you’d like to add to the above agendas, please email us at [email protected]

By participating in these forums, members gain valuable insights from industry leaders and subject matter experts - and play an active role in shaping the future of their division and the broader automotive sector.