A new repair program will allow Canberrans to repair their out-of-warranty phone and laptop products instead of buying something new, in a positive step for Canberran's "right to repair".
Coming into effect in Australia today, local businesses will be able to sign up to Apple's Independent Repair Provider program, which will give them access to genuine Apple parts, tools, training, service guides, diagnostics and resources to perform a variety out-of-warranty repairs for iPhones and Macs.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Shane Rattenbury believes the program is a positive move for both consumers and small and local businesses.
"This is an improvement on the previous situation, where consumers were locked out of repairing their products because manufacturers don't allow third parties to repair them," Minister Rattenbury said.
"The ability for local businesses to get access to parts directly from the manufacturer is a win for the 'right to repair' movement and the ACT's goals for sustainability. This will allow these small businesses to begin to break into a market previously dominated by bigger companies and provide greater consumer choice.
"This is a good first step, but this is still an Apple-controlled repair regime and I am not aware of what limitations may be placed on the third-party repairers.
"My hope is that a detailed examination by the Productivity Commission will allow the 'right to repair' concept to be imported into the Australian context, resulting in reforms that benefit Australian consumers and local businesses, while supporting better sustainability.
"Australians are among the highest users of technology products, generating around 25 kilograms of e-waste per capita each year, so I hope that this move will help Australians repair the goods they have, rather than constantly needing to buy new items."
Click here to read the ACT Government's submission to the Productivity Commission's Right to Repair inquiry.
