Minister Matthew Mason-Cox attends an Automotive Repairer meeting in Mortdale

Motor Traders' Association commends the NSW Fair Trading Minister, The Hon. Matthew Mason-Cox for attending a meeting held on Tuesday night at Mortdale RSL and facilitated by the local Member for Oatley, Mr Mark Coure MP who was also present.

The Hon. Matthew Mason-Cox, MLC worked through government responses to the 21 select committee recommendations on the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry and also explained the proposed changes to the automotive body repair sector.

NOTE: In November 2013, the NSW Legislative Assembly resolved to establish the Select Committee on the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry to inquire into and report on the contractual relationships between insurers and motor vehicle repairers, the quality of smash repair work in NSW, consumer choice in the marketplace and whether the industry works competitively.

During the event the Minister highlighted the NSW Government were waiting for the Code Administration Committee (CAC) to finalise the revised Code of Conduct. The revised Code will incorporate an arbitration system so that disputes between repairers and insurers will reach an outcome in a timely manner.

The Minister listened to and answered questions raised by a group of approximately 35 MTA members representing a segment of body repairers.

Assessor licensing will also be reintroduced under the control of Fair Trading and there will be penalties included under the Code of Conduct. These necessary changes to the legislation are expected to take place this year.

Greg Patten, CEO of the Motor Traders’ Association of NSW (MTA NSW) also attended the event and said, ‘he appreciated the minister personally answering questions raised at the forum and says this is another example of the close working relationship developed between the MTA NSW and the State Government.’