MEDIA RELEASE - LABOR TAKES THE WHEEL FOR LOCAL CAR OWNERS AND MECHANICS - 6 SEPTEMBER 2018

06 September 2018

Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland MP, visited Kmart Tyre & Auto Seven Hills on Monday to discuss Labor’s ‘Your Car, Your Choice’ policy.

Labor is committed to putting money back into the pockets of car owners and giving 23,000 independent repairers a boost, with a plan to ensure car manufacturers share their technical information so vehicles can be serviced by any mechanic.

“New cars are computers on wheels. Real-time access to technical information, which varies from car to car, is necessary for independent mechanics to complete many aspects of repairs and services,” Michelle Rowland MP said. 

“Everyone should be able to choose where they get their car serviced. But limited access to this vital information pushes up prices for car services, and limits the ability of independent mechanics to grow their business and generate more jobs,” Ms Rowland said.

Labor’s ‘Your Car, Your Choice’ policy will create a level playing field for local independent mechanics, like Kmart Tyre & Auto Seven Hills. 

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has backed Labor’s recommendations to ensure Australia’s new car retailing industry isn’t shutting out independent mechanics and forcing up prices for motorists.

“Local residents are right to expect that when they put their car into their local mechanic, they can get a full repair or service. This reform will help end the frustration felt by both local residents and independent mechanics for circumstances where some repairs and services can only be fully carried out by a dealership, which can be further away and more expensive.

“Local businesses like Kmart Tyre & Auto Seven Hills, where I have been a customer for many years, provide great service. That’s why Labor is providing real solutions that will support local small businesses and keep the cost of living down for local families,” Ms Rowland said.