The Nationals WA have welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s moves towards introducing right to repair legislation in Australia.
Agriculture spokesperson Colin de Grussa said the Federal Government’s consultation paper – which proposes a mandatory scheme for the sharing of motor vehicle servicing and repair information – reflected a push towards similar legislation being introduced in the United States.
“This proposal will help to support small businesses and families across the country by ensuring people get the best deal when having their cars repaired,” Mr de Grussa said.
“Consumers in the United States are pushing back on big companies who hold all the cards when it comes to determining who can repair vehicles, devices and machinery.
“There’s a huge shift in the US where people want to be able to choose their preferred technicians or mechanics but big companies have dictated who they provide the necessary service and repair information to, effectively removing a consumer’s right to choose.”
The Nationals WA moved a motion at the Party’s 2018 State Conference calling on the Federal Government to introduce right to repair legislation which will require manufacturers to sell genuine replacement parts and tools, and make repair documentation available to anyone.
“I’m pleased to see the Commonwealth make some progress in this area,” Mr de Grussa said.
The Nationals WA Senate candidate Nick Fardell echoed Mr de Grussa’s comments but urged the Federal Government to extend the consultation paper to include IT devices and agricultural machinery.
“This issue is having a significant impact on agricultural production, with farmers often having to wait for authorised repair agents to travel from distant centres to fix faulty machinery, instead of being able to use their local provider,” Mr Fardell said.
“While I congratulate the Federal Government on releasing the consultation paper, I urge them to include IT devices and agricultural machinery in any right to repair legislation and, if elected, I will be lobbying hard to ensure this happens.”
The consultation paper is available at www.treasury.gov.au/consultation, and submissions close 5pm Monday 11 March 2019.
