The AADA is pleased to advise that proposed reforms to electric vehicle (EV) repairs in NSW, set to be introduced as part of the Motor Dealers and Repairers Regulation 2025 (the Regulation), will not be proceeding at this stage.
NSW Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, the Hon Anoulack Chanthivong MP, wrote to the AADA advising that these proposed reforms will not be introduced in this Regulation until further consultation has been undertaken on the appropriate transitional arrangements for the automotive industry.
The AADA extensively engaged with the NSW Government and regulators to emphasise the comprehensive training undertaken by franchised new car dealers and to highlight the significant impact this proposed policy in its current form would have on the industry.
While the AADA supports ongoing improvements in training in the automotive service and repair industry, any new regulations must be carefully considered and implemented with appropriate arrangements to ensure a smooth transition.
The Regulation will still introduce a number of changes put forward in the Regulatory Impact Statement, intended to commence on 1 September 2025.
Key changes that will be introduced in the Regulation include:
- An online selling framework to permit and regulate online sales of motor vehicles by motor dealers.
- Changes to the Motor Dealers and Repairers Compensation Fund and introduction of higher claim limits.
- Simplifying record keeping requirements to reduce administrative burdens on licensees.
- Expanding dealer guarantees for trailers and caravans based on the age of vehicles, with a 12- month commencement date.
- Increased penalty infringement notice amounts, and new penalty notice offences to ensure better deterrence and compliance.
The AADA will provide further detail on these in the coming days.
We would like to sincerely thank all dealers who engaged with the AADA on this issue, whether through our statewide survey or through direct meetings to help inform our response. Your feedback was instrumental in shaping our engagements and submission that strongly reflected the interests of NSW franchised new car and truck dealers.