The Albanese Government is delivering greater choice for motorists while backing small businesses and improving competition and productivity across Australian economy.
Released today, the Review of the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme confirms Australia's first right to repair scheme is delivering expanded consumer choice, improved access to repair information and supporting safe and timely vehicle repairs.
Since commencing in July 2022, the Scheme has required vehicle manufacturers to provide independent repairers with access to service and repair information available at a price no higher than fair market value.
The Review reports that the scheme has been associated with a $2.4 billion increase in automotive industry turnover annually, and that independent workshops are experiencing greater capability, productivity and profitability. It also finds that consumers now have more choice and face fewer barriers when servicing modern vehicles.
The Review also found opportunities to further improve access to repair information, adapt to technological change and strengthen transparency, improve hardware access, and streamline regulatory settings.
The Government will consult on policy changes to the scheme including:
- Requiring repairers to have access to electronic logbooks, ensuring they have the information needed to diagnose and service vehicles efficiently
- Expanding access for intermediaries, such as tool manufacturers and data aggregators, to essential repair information, supporting innovation and competition across the sector
- Enhancing access to higher‑risk repair information while maintaining strong safety and security safeguards, ensuring repairs can be carried out responsibly and safely.
Building on this success, the Government has announced consultation on expanding right to repair to agricultural machinery. This will help farmers access repair services on fair terms, reducing costly downtime during critical periods. The Productivity Commission estimates that extending right to repair to agriculture could lift annual GDP by $97 million through increased grain outputs alone by avoiding downtime.
The Final Report is available on the Treasury website
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh
"When information flows, productivity follows. This scheme is giving Australians real choice over repairs, while helping small businesses compete, innovate and keep their communities moving.
"This is the first step in our broader right to repair priority under the National Competition Policy. We'll shortly begin consultation on extending right to repair reforms to agricultural machinery, improving farmers' access to repair services and avoiding costly downtime during critical periods."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Anne Aly
"When small businesses thrive, Australia and our economy thrive. Consumers are benefiting from greater choice and fewer barriers when repairing their cars. I've spoken with many workshop and repair small businesses who have told me the positive impact this scheme is having.
"This reform gives independent workshops access to the information they need to do the job properly, while giving consumers more choice and better value."
