Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP
Farmers have thrown their support behind the Federal Albanese Labor Government's decision to extend Right to Repair reforms to agricultural machinery, a practical change that will deliver fairness, competition and productivity gains across the farm sector.
For too long, farmers have faced costly delays because critical repair information was locked away by manufacturers. When a tractor breaks down in the middle of harvest, every hour counts. This reform means farmers will have real choice about who repairs their machinery, and independent repairers will have the information they need to compete.
The Productivity Commission estimates that extending Right to Repair to agriculture could lift annual GDP by $97 million through increased grain outputs alone, simply by reducing downtime during harvest.
This is on top of new figures released this week showing the agriculture industry is on track to reach a record value of almost $100 billion this financial year under the Albanese Labor Government.
Farmers have welcomed the announcement. National Farmers' Federation President Hamish McIntyre said the reform will deliver "less downtime, lower costs, and more control over their own businesses." GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel called the commitment "landmark," while Victorian Farmers' Federation President Brett Hosking described it as "game-changing." NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said the reform will allow farmers to support qualified local repairers, reducing costs and wait times.
Treasury, working with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, will engage farmers, manufacturers and repairers on expanding Australia's existing Right to Repair framework to agricultural machinery. This collaborative approach mirrors the success of the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme, which has already boosted productivity for independent mechanics by up to 40 per cent.
Right to Repair is about more than fixing machines. It's about fairness, resilience and sustainability. It reduces waste, keeps valuable equipment in use and strengthens local skills. Every harvest saved from delay, every dollar kept in a regional town, adds up to a stronger economy.
Quotes attributable to Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry:
"The Albanese Labor Government has listened to our farmers and worked with them to deliver these reforms, they're a matter of fairness for farmers and will make a big difference
"Farmers are backing this change because they know it will save time and money.
"The Albanese Labor Government will keep backing our farmers to succeed."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh:
"Farmers have been clear, they want the freedom to choose who repairs their machinery. This reform delivers that choice, strengthens regional economies and ensures technology works for the people who rely on it most.
"This is a win for farmers and a win for competition. When markets are open, businesses thrive, and consumers benefit. Right to Repair is about giving farmers control and creating a level playing field for independent repairers.
"Every independent workshop is a small business that employs apprentices, sponsors local clubs and keeps money circulating locally. By unlocking repair information, we're supporting those businesses and the communities they serve."
