Author: Ashleigh Sykes

We are saddened to report on the sudden and unexpected passing of Clinton Baulch, DP of Baulch Motors Warrnambool. Baulch Motors is an Isuzu Ute, Nissan and Kia Dealership and has been in operation for about 15 years servicing the needs of customers in the district. Clinton was also known as a supporter of the local community and he gave generously to various local charities and the sporting clubs which he was closely involved with. Clinton was a strong supporter of the AADA and was a passionate and active advocate of our work to establish better franchise protections for Dealers. As a highly respected employer and business owner in the region, Clinton was well connected politically and to the business community and all who knew him held him in the highest regard.

Outside of his dealership interests, Clinton was also well known in the farming community as the principal of the Jaclinton Hereford stud.

Our condolences go to his two children, wife Jacquie, extended family and those from the community who knew and loved Clinton as a friend, mentor, employer and colleague.

Former VACC President and owner of the famous Max Kirwan Mazda, Max Kirwan Snr OAM sadly passed away late last month. Mr Kirwan was an active member in the automotive industry and his list of achievements representing the interests of franchised Dealers is extensive, continuing right through to his passing, when he was still lending his experience and knowledge to the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association on various advocacy projects. Max lead a fulfilling and eventful life and his journey and accomplishments are quite literally enough to fill a book, which occurred in 2013 with the publication of Good One Max which chronicled Max’s remarkable life.

Max was also known to many outside the automotive industry for his contributions to the community which included his significant work in the sport of water skiing, for which he was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. Max will be missed by many, and our condolences go out to his family and friends.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced that it was concluding its investigation into General Motors conduct towards Dealers when withdrawing the Holden brand from Australia. The ACCC made it very clear that it was not investigating further because it did not want to prejudice the action other Holden Dealers were taking against GM. It also criticised GM for its treatment of its franchisors and for the damage it did to the Holden brand. The AADA released a statement saying that the ACCC’s decision does not vindicate GM.

Senator Deborah O’Neill, who chaired the inquiry into the treatment of Holden Dealers and brought changes into place, said in the Senate this week “This finding from the ACCC is in line with the findings of a bipartisan Senate report. The Senate carefully inquired and then castigated General Motors for their appalling treatment of the Holden Dealer network.”