Over the past month, the AADA has been actively connecting with members across Queensland, the ACT, and regional Victoria as part of our ongoing commitment to industry engagement and advocacy. These visits are a vital part of how we ensure the real-world experiences of dealers help shape national policy discussions.
As part of the Queensland Regional Dealer Roadshow, AADA partnered with MTAQ to visit dealerships in the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, and Cairns. The roadshow provided a valuable forum for open discussion on the pressing issues facing our industry. There was a strong sense of unity and momentum, particularly around the evolving partnership between AADA and MTAQ.
Townsville and Cairns saw particularly strong engagement, with dialogue expanding to cover the EV transition, challenges with DMS and classifieds providers, and broader regulatory changes. The feedback gathered during these sessions directly informs our advocacy priorities and strengthens our voice at a national level.
Our member outreach also extended to the ACT and regional Victoria — including Werribee, the Western District, and surrounding areas. These visits reinforced the vital role family-owned dealerships play in regional economies and highlighted the importance of tailoring policy to suit both metropolitan and rural business realities.
In the ACT, AADA-facilitated meetings between local dealers and key political figures, allowing for direct discussion on critical issues such as the proposed 2035 petrol and diesel vehicle ban, EV infrastructure, and the industry’s growing workforce needs.
Across all visits, one message was clear: Australia’s dealerships are deeply embedded in their communities, and the success of national policy depends on close collaboration with those on the ground. Dealer engagement ensures the collective voice of our members is heard at every level of government.
We thank all the dealers who participated and look forward to continuing these conversations in the months ahead.
