When a tractor breaks down in the middle of harvest, every hour counts. For too long, Australian farmers have faced unnecessary delays and inflated costs because critical repair information was locked away by manufacturers. That's about to change.
On 28 November, Commonwealth, state and territory treasurers, governments agreed to broaden Australia's right to repair framework to include agricultural machinery. This reform is practical, fair, and overdue. It means farmers will have real choice about who fixes their gear, and independent repairers will have the information they need to compete.
Modern farm equipment is a marvel of technology, but complexity shouldn't come at the cost of control. Today, diagnostic codes and software are often restricted to authorised dealers, leaving farmers waiting days for repairs that could be done locally. Those delays ripple through the economy. 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.
Industry knows what this means. 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.
This is both a consumer issue and a productivity reform. When markets are open, competition thrives. When skilled repairers have the information they need, regional economies benefit. The majority of independent workshop are small businesses that employ apprentices, sponsors local clubs, and keep money circulating locally. Right to repair strengthens those businesses and the communities they serve.
Globally, the trend is clear. Colorado and Texas have legislated repair rights for farm machinery. Canada allows repairers to bypass digital locks for legitimate fixes. In Europe and the United Kingdom, tractor manufacturers must provide non‑discriminatory access to repair information. Australia is joining that movement, ensuring technology works for farmers.
The next step is consultation. Treasury, working with Agriculture Minister Julie Collins and her department, 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.
Australia doesn't need to reinvent the wheel, just make sure everyone has the tools to fix it.
