On Monday 3 August, the Senate Committee conducting the Inquiry into General Motors’ Holden Operations in Australia held its public hearings. AADA CEO James Voortman was the first witness to give public evidence and used the opportunity to push for stronger protections for franchised new car Dealers. The AADA informed the Committee about the existing power imbalance between OEMs and warned about the dangerous precedent that the Holden example sets for the rest of the industry. The AADA also explained that key elements required to level the playing include mandatory and binding arbitration as well as the need to provide adequate compensation.
In its appearance, the ACCC confirmed it was following up Dealer allegations against General Motors. Other witnesses included Holden Dealer Mark Palmer, who said he believed Holden had planned to leave Australia for some period before the announcement, two Government Departments, the interim CEO of Holden, MTAA, ACCC, AAAA and the FCAI representing the OEMs.
The Senate Inquiry is scheduled to deliver its report into Holden on 12 November, 2020.
A Hansard transcript of the hearings is available on the Parliament House website.
Recordings of the below witnesses can be accessed via AADA’s YouTube channel:
- Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), Mr James Voortman
- Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources and Department of Education, Skills and Employment and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
- GM Holden
- Mr John Crennan and Mr Mark Palmer, private capacity
- Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA)
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
- Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA)
- Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI)
A full list of media on the Holden Senate Inquiry:
04 August 2020 – Holden dealer relationships broke in 2005, By Neil Dowling, Go Auto News
04 August 2020 – GM’s treatment of Holden dealers ‘incredibly reckless’, inquiry told, by David Bonnici,
whichcar.com.au
04 August 2020 – GM treated dealers recklessly, inquiry told, by Lachlan Moffat Gray, The Australian
04 August 2020 – Holden rejects exit ‘conspiracy theory’, by Cara Waters, Sydney Morning Herald
04 August 2020 – GM was ‘reckless’ with its dealers, by Lachlan Moffat Gray, Adelaide Advertiser
03 August 2020 – Dealers warn car makers are abusing their power, by Andrew Tillett, Australian Financial Review
03 August 2020 – General Motors ‘exploited’ Holden dealers in Australia, inquiry told, AAP
03 August 2020 – AADA opening statement to Senate inquiry, by Robert Barry, AutoTalk
03 August 2020 – GM lashed over Holden dealer treatment, by Tim Dornin, Augusta Margaret River Mail
03 August 2020 – Dealers question Holden closure plans, Canberra Times
02 August 2020 – Holden dealers ‘in deep freeze’, by Greg Brown, The Australian
02 August 2020 – Key submissions to Holden closure inquiry, by Tim Dornin, Australian Associated Press
02 August 2020 – Senate inquiry to hear ‘GM misled Holden dealers’, by Bruce Newton, motoring.com.au
02 August 2020 – Dealers question timing of Holden closure, by Tim Dornin, Augusta Margaret River Mail