MTA February 2022 SA
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<strong>February</strong> <strong>2022</strong><br />
Official Magazine of the Motor Trade Association <strong>SA</strong>/NT<br />
STRONGER<br />
TOGETHER<br />
NOVITA MIGHTY RIVER RUN: <strong>MTA</strong> MEMBERS SET <strong>SA</strong>IL FOR A GOOD CAUSE<br />
<strong>2022</strong> STATE ELECTION: AUTOMOTIVE ISSUES ADDRESSED BY BOTH LEADERS
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MOTOR TRADE MAGAZINE: <strong>SA</strong><br />
3<br />
CONTENTS FEBRUARY<br />
<strong>2022</strong><br />
HYUNDAI RALLIES THE TEAM<br />
SKIP TO ARTICLE<br />
<strong>2022</strong> STATE ELECTION Q&A<br />
SKIP TO ARTICLE<br />
The <strong>MTA</strong> sat down with both party leaders to discuss the issues<br />
that matter to you! Read the leaders’ thoughts on the economic<br />
impacts of COVID-19, planning for and investing in electric<br />
vehicles, the Repair Industry Code of Conduct and much more.<br />
Adelaide was littered with rally cars<br />
in late November last year, with the<br />
impressive vehicles seemingly on<br />
every street corner. This was the first<br />
time that Hyundai entered a team into<br />
the rally.<br />
NOVITA MIGHTY RIVER RUN<br />
04 Chair’s Report<br />
05 CEO’s Message<br />
06 <strong>2022</strong> Election: Q&A with Steven<br />
Marshall - Liberal<br />
08 <strong>2022</strong> Election: Q&A with Peter<br />
Malinauskas - Labor<br />
10 Member Profile: Hyundai Rallies<br />
the Team<br />
13 Advocacy: July 1 Ambition for<br />
New Code<br />
14 Member News: Novita Mighty<br />
River Run<br />
16 Advocacy: <strong>MTA</strong> Petitions Premier<br />
to Adopt National Framework<br />
18 50-Year Member: Rhemac Motors<br />
20 Workplace Vaccination<br />
Requirements<br />
22 25 & 75-Year Member Businesses<br />
23 New Members<br />
24 Consumer Business Services:<br />
Interstate Work Opportunities<br />
Made Easier<br />
26 Careers: Intro to Auto<br />
28 2021’s Major Changes to Casual<br />
Employment in Australia<br />
30 <strong>2022</strong> Hybrid and Electric Vehicle<br />
Course Dates Now Available<br />
32 Back in the Day with <strong>MTA</strong>:<br />
<strong>February</strong> 1992<br />
33 Business Partners Index<br />
34 Member Classifieds<br />
SKIP TO ARTICLE<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> member Todd Quigley recently<br />
took a break from his usual Monday to<br />
Friday to take part in the Novita Mighty<br />
River Run, boating up the Murray River<br />
from Mannum to Berri over five days.<br />
WORKPLACE VACCINATION<br />
SKIP TO ARTICLE<br />
The <strong>MTA</strong> provides a guide to Members<br />
on how to navigate COVID-19<br />
vaccination in the workplace, and<br />
to ensure they meet their WHS<br />
obligations.<br />
mtasant.com.au
4<br />
CHAIR’S REPORT<br />
CHAIR’S<br />
REPORT<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> CHAIR, FRANK AGOSTINO<br />
I think we can all agree that the turbulent start to <strong>2022</strong> has<br />
not gone as we had hoped for Australia. However, despite<br />
the impacts of the Omicron variant, South Australia has<br />
reached a vaccination rate of 90 per cent and our industry<br />
shows resilience as we transition to living with the virus.<br />
We have previously enjoyed minimal impacts and<br />
restrictions compared to the rest of Australia, and<br />
especially compared to the rest of the world. The<br />
emergence of Omicron in our community simply<br />
means we must continue to adapt and innovate in the<br />
way we do business.<br />
I would like to acknowledge the <strong>MTA</strong> member businesses<br />
which have been affected, and commend the automotive<br />
industry as a whole for its perseverance in the face of this<br />
latest hardship.<br />
While rules and restrictions continue to change on a<br />
regular basis, you can rest easy in the knowledge that the<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> will always be there to support your business and<br />
keep you updated.<br />
As well as staying on top of the latest COVID-19<br />
information, the <strong>MTA</strong> has been focussing its efforts<br />
on the approaching Federal and South Australian State<br />
elections. We continue to communicate the contribution of<br />
automotive to the economy so that all political candidates<br />
and parties understand the priorities of our industry.<br />
This is important now more than ever, with many member<br />
businesses grappling with industry-wide issues, such as<br />
pandemic-related loss of business, new and emerging<br />
automotive technologies and ongoing skills shortages.<br />
As I write this, a review is underway of consumer<br />
guarantees and supplier indemnification in Australian<br />
Consumer Law − a major issue, which affects all <strong>MTA</strong><br />
members. Whether you’re a dealer, repairer, supplier<br />
or dismantler, we will be bringing your feedback to<br />
government.<br />
As this is an ongoing issue, we will continue to advocate for<br />
the best possible outcomes for our members. We will keep<br />
“I would like to acknowledge<br />
the <strong>MTA</strong> member businesses<br />
which have been affected,<br />
and commend the automotive<br />
industry as a whole for its<br />
perseverance in the face of<br />
this latest hardship.”<br />
you up-to-date on all major decisions from both us and<br />
government, so keep an eye out for our communications in<br />
the coming months.<br />
Last May, we heard loud and clear from our Divisional and<br />
Zone Chairs, who form the Industry Advisory Council, that<br />
the biggest challenge facing the automotive industry was,<br />
and continues to be, skills shortages. They asked the <strong>MTA</strong><br />
to focus our efforts on reengaging with the education<br />
system and school pathways.<br />
Recently appointed <strong>MTA</strong> School Pathways Coordinator,<br />
Andrew Parkes has been doing invaluable work in<br />
promoting automotive careers to young people, both<br />
through his school visits and his on-site workshops. His<br />
job was constructed using direct feedback from members,<br />
and has already delivered an increase in apprenticeship<br />
applications. Read more about his work on page 26 .<br />
In this uncertain time, it is important to remain connected<br />
and maintain our strong sense of community as members<br />
of South Australia’s automotive industry. Rest assured that<br />
the <strong>MTA</strong> is here to protect your interests and, as always, is<br />
on hand to help you with anything this year brings.<br />
mtasant.com.au<br />
BACK TO CONTENTS
FOLIO CEO’S MES<strong>SA</strong>GE<br />
PLACEHOLDER<br />
5<br />
CEO’S<br />
MES<strong>SA</strong>GE<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> CEO, PAUL UNERKOV<br />
As we farewelled 2021 and set our<br />
sights towards a new year, it’s fair to<br />
say that life in the automotive retail,<br />
service and repair industry like others,<br />
continues to be challenging. Running a<br />
business today is more complex than<br />
it has ever been, and so it has been<br />
my primary concern to ensure that<br />
as members, you remain connected<br />
with the <strong>MTA</strong> through updates and<br />
advice, and that we are representing<br />
your interests through our ongoing<br />
advocacy to government.<br />
We know skills shortages continue to<br />
be a massive challenge for industry<br />
and so it was no surprise that when we<br />
asked you whether you supported close<br />
contacts being able to safely return to<br />
work if they meet specific COVID-<strong>SA</strong>fe<br />
requirements, 95% said yes. In January,<br />
we wrote to <strong>SA</strong> Premier, Steven<br />
Marshall on this topic which you can<br />
read more about here .<br />
<strong>SA</strong> Body Repair Laws<br />
At the beginning of December last<br />
year, the <strong>MTA</strong> secured a massive win<br />
for the automotive industry in South<br />
Australia, with the passing of the new<br />
Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair<br />
Industry (MVIRI) Code of Conduct<br />
legislation through <strong>SA</strong> Parliament.<br />
South Australia is now the first<br />
Australian state or territory to add<br />
enforceable penalties for breaches of<br />
the MVIRI code which will become law<br />
under the Fair Trading Act (<strong>SA</strong>) 1987.<br />
The amendment will help to protect<br />
small-to-medium <strong>MTA</strong> repair<br />
businesses, through facilitation of<br />
fairer dispute resolution processes<br />
with insurers.<br />
In addition, the changes will also<br />
require insurers to disclose to South<br />
Australian policy holders whether<br />
they have choice of repairer, as<br />
well as whether they have direct<br />
financial ownership or a contractual<br />
relationship with a repairer.<br />
Skilled Migration<br />
Just prior to international borders<br />
reopening in Australia last year, the<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> learned we were successful<br />
in our lobbying efforts for the<br />
return of six automotive trades<br />
to the Designated Area Migration<br />
Agreements (DAMA) skilled migration<br />
program in South Australia.<br />
Pleasingly, another occupation<br />
was also added to the list: 070499<br />
Automotive Transmission Technician.<br />
This fantastic win can not only<br />
be attributed to the work done by<br />
the <strong>MTA</strong>, but also the invaluable<br />
contributions made by our members,<br />
particularly through the session<br />
we held with the South Australian<br />
Department for Innovation and Skills<br />
in <strong>February</strong>.<br />
The six reinstated occupations are:<br />
• 321111 Automotive Electrician<br />
• 321211 Motor Mechanic (General)<br />
• 321212 Diesel Motor Mechanic<br />
• 321213 Motorcycle Mechanic<br />
• 899411 Motor Vehicle Parts and<br />
Accessories Fitter (General)<br />
• 324111 Panelbeater<br />
Motorcycle Training Review<br />
In November, changes to the<br />
Graduated Licensing Scheme for<br />
motorbike riders came into effect.<br />
Motorcycle Industry Association <strong>SA</strong>/<br />
NT Chair, Mark Flynn, together with<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> staff, recently engaged with the<br />
Department for Infrastructure and<br />
Transport and other stakeholders to<br />
get the review underway.<br />
Our clear message to the Government<br />
is that any changes should not<br />
become unreasonably expensive or<br />
over burdensome for new riders.<br />
Second-hand Vehicle<br />
Dealers Act Review<br />
Over the last three years, the <strong>MTA</strong> has<br />
been advocating to Consumer and<br />
Business Services (CBS) for a review<br />
of the Second-hand Vehicle Dealers<br />
Act 1995. We are aiming to modernise<br />
South Australian laws to match<br />
how you, the dealers, conduct your<br />
business.<br />
CBS sought input from the <strong>MTA</strong><br />
among other stakeholders, and<br />
endorsed the majority of our proposed<br />
changes. Suggestions such as<br />
removing the waiver of cooling-off<br />
rights and stronger penalties for<br />
odometer tampering were among our<br />
formally lodged recommendations.<br />
We look forward to seeing the draft<br />
legislation in the coming months.<br />
Engage with us on the issues that<br />
matter so your opinions are heard.<br />
Whether it’s through zone and<br />
divisional meetings or the surveys we<br />
send out via email, the <strong>MTA</strong> will take<br />
those sentiments to government and<br />
advocate for necessary change in the<br />
automotive industry.<br />
BACK TO CONTENTS<br />
mtasant.com.au
6<br />
<strong>2022</strong> ELECTION<br />
Q&A WITH<br />
STEVEN<br />
MARSHALL<br />
PREMIER OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA<br />
South Australia has reaped the<br />
rewards of successfully managing<br />
the health and economic impacts of<br />
COVID-19. As Australia and the world<br />
opens up, what are your priorities to<br />
ensure that businesses in this state<br />
can grow and prosper?<br />
It’s been almost two years since<br />
the COVID-19 pandemic first began<br />
and despite the initial fears that<br />
our economy could be facing an<br />
unprecedented crash, nothing could<br />
be further from the truth.<br />
My government’s management of the<br />
COVID-19 pandemic has seen our<br />
economy go from strength to strength,<br />
with businesses both small and large<br />
enjoying extraordinary demand –<br />
particularly in the automotive sector.<br />
Under my government South Australia<br />
went into <strong>2022</strong> with the lowest<br />
unemployment rate in our State’s<br />
history, the strongest economic<br />
growth in the nation, and is the third<br />
most liveable city in the world. It is no<br />
wonder that people around the globe<br />
are taking notice of South Australia.<br />
For the first time in 30 years we have<br />
more people moving back to Adelaide<br />
than moving away from it – young<br />
people realise they can have a fulfilling<br />
career right here in South Australia.<br />
This means your kids will be able to<br />
buy a house and have a career here,<br />
and it also means more customers<br />
and clients for your business.<br />
My Government is committed to<br />
continuing this trajectory – from<br />
investing in our critical industries<br />
of the future like defence and space,<br />
to attracting global businesses like<br />
Amazon and Google, we want to see<br />
the South Australian economy as the<br />
best place to live and do business in<br />
the nation. I also want to ensure that<br />
our local businesses, like yours, have<br />
the skilled staff you need to grow your<br />
bottom line.<br />
COVID-19 has been a major disruptor,<br />
regularly changing the way we do<br />
business in this State. If you are<br />
elected as the next Premier, what<br />
support, clarity and confidence can<br />
automotive businesses expect from<br />
your government?<br />
I understand that all businesses<br />
have had to adjust how they operate<br />
in order to keep their staff and<br />
customers safe. For the automotive<br />
repair sector this has meant extra<br />
sanitation practices, limiting face to<br />
face interaction with customers, and<br />
extra management to ensure your<br />
staff and clients have been able to<br />
socially distance.<br />
My Government understands<br />
how important it is to keep South<br />
Australian vehicles running safely,<br />
which is why mechanics were<br />
classified as an ‘essential service’<br />
and able to operate during lockdowns.<br />
I want to thank all of you for doing the<br />
right thing – you have kept your staff<br />
and customers safe.<br />
Currently electric vehicles only make<br />
up a very small percentage of sales<br />
in South Australia, with varying<br />
predictions about how many will be<br />
sold and when. How will you help<br />
businesses in the automotive industry<br />
plan and invest towards this future<br />
with confidence?<br />
My Government is committed to<br />
growing the amount of low emission<br />
and electric vehicles in South<br />
Australia, but we understand that we<br />
need to incentivise buyers in order to<br />
stimulate the market.<br />
This is why in December my<br />
government announced a generous<br />
$3,000 subsidy to help drive the<br />
take-up of zero and low emission<br />
vehicles. This subsidy is available for<br />
7,000 eligible new battery electric and<br />
mtasant.com.au<br />
BACK TO CONTENTS
<strong>2022</strong> ELECTION<br />
hydrogen fuel cell vehicles registered<br />
in South Australia from 28 October 2021.<br />
There will be a price cap of $68,750<br />
(inc GST) to provide an incentive to<br />
bring lower-priced electric vehicles<br />
to the market and avoid subsidising<br />
expensive electric vehicles.<br />
This is on top of the single largest<br />
investment in electric vehicles in the<br />
state’s history through our $18.3m<br />
Electric Vehicle Action Plan –<br />
announced as part of the State<br />
Budget 2020-21.<br />
We’ve also committed a further $12.25<br />
million to accelerate the uptake of<br />
electric vehicles (EVs) with a new<br />
EV smart charging subsidy for South<br />
Australia households that invest in<br />
smart charging solutions.<br />
My government will continue to<br />
work with the <strong>MTA</strong> to identify the<br />
opportunities for the industry,<br />
including the best ways to up-skill<br />
your workforce so they are ready to<br />
work on these new technologies.<br />
Changing automotive technology is<br />
also putting pressure on government<br />
revenue such as national fuel excise,<br />
leading to different states and<br />
territories implementing or ruling out<br />
road user charge policies for zero and<br />
low emission vehicles. Is a road user<br />
charge at a state level in our<br />
best interests?<br />
The reality is, if you’re driving an<br />
electric vehicle then you’re not paying<br />
fuel excise at the pump and you’re<br />
contributing significantly less to the<br />
vital upkeep of our vast road network.<br />
A road user charge for zero and<br />
low emission vehicles means that<br />
everyone is contributing fairly to the<br />
upkeep of our roads.<br />
Ultimately this reform will have to<br />
happen - as more and more Australian<br />
motorists shift to zero and lowemission<br />
vehicles, all Governments<br />
will need to ensure there is sufficient<br />
funding for ongoing road maintenance<br />
and infrastructure investment.<br />
Road user charges are now becoming<br />
common place in Australia – with<br />
Victoria, NSW and recently Tasmania<br />
all announcing or implementing a road<br />
user charge.<br />
We are looking at a scheme similar to<br />
Victoria’s, where motorists would be<br />
charged a set rate based on kilometres<br />
travelled.<br />
There has been a strong focus on<br />
growing and retaining apprentices from<br />
the State and Federal governments<br />
over the past two years. What will your<br />
party do to encourage businesses to<br />
continue to invest in apprentices?<br />
When I speak to mechanics and<br />
automotive business owners around<br />
the state, they tell me that the biggest<br />
limiting factor to their business is<br />
availability of skilled workers.<br />
The solution to this is twofold: training<br />
up our local workforce to create a<br />
skills pipeline, and bringing in skilled<br />
workers from interstate and overseas<br />
who can plug skill gaps quickly.<br />
This is where my Government’s $200<br />
million Skilling South Australia initiative<br />
made a real difference, delivering<br />
nation-leading growth after Labor’s<br />
6-year apprentice and trainee decline.<br />
Over the past four years South<br />
Australia has led the nation with<br />
over 55,000 new apprenticeship and<br />
traineeship commencements, many in<br />
the automotive sector. Since we were<br />
elected in 2018, over 3,300 businesses<br />
have hired a trainee or apprentice for<br />
the first time – and that momentum<br />
will continue.<br />
A re-elected Liberal Government will<br />
continue to invest in our apprentices –<br />
making it easier for businesses to hire<br />
and train the skills they need to grow<br />
their workforce.<br />
While focussing on the local skills<br />
pipeline, we have also recognised<br />
that urgent skills gaps can be plugged<br />
quickly by incentivising qualified<br />
tradespeople from overseas to<br />
consider bringing their careers to<br />
South Australia.<br />
Following representations from<br />
my government about the latent<br />
need within our sector, the Federal<br />
Australian Government has added<br />
Automotive Electricians, General Motor<br />
Mechanics, Diesel Motor Mechanics,<br />
Automotive Transmission Technician<br />
and Motorcycle Mechanics back onto<br />
to the list of trade workers able to apply<br />
for a prioritised work visa in South<br />
Australia under the DAMA program.<br />
I am confident that these two<br />
approaches will grow the skills we<br />
need for our automotive sector.<br />
I would also like to take this<br />
opportunity to thank all the <strong>MTA</strong><br />
members who have taken on new <strong>MTA</strong><br />
apprentices in the past 18 months.<br />
Far from being discouraged by a<br />
global pandemic, you have invested<br />
in our industry, our young people and<br />
mature aged apprentices. Around 500<br />
apprentices and trainees have been<br />
the direct recipients of the <strong>MTA</strong>’s<br />
Group Training Scheme, and I’m<br />
excited to see the next generation of<br />
automotive repair experts already well<br />
on their way to fulfilling careers.<br />
According to AAA data, South<br />
Australia has one the highest road<br />
tolls per capita in the country, and the<br />
ABS shows that we also have one of<br />
the nation’s oldest vehicle fleets. With<br />
70 per cent of used vehicles in the<br />
state sold privately, do you support<br />
making it a legislative requirement<br />
and responsibility for those selling a<br />
vehicle to ensure it is roadworthy?<br />
My Government currently has no plans<br />
to implement a mandatory roadworthy<br />
certificate requirement on all second<br />
hand vehicle sales.<br />
Consumers and the crash repair<br />
industry have had a massive win with<br />
Parliament passing laws to mandate<br />
the national Motor Vehicle Insurance<br />
and Repair Industry Code of Conduct<br />
in South Australia with binding<br />
mediation and penalties. Will you<br />
commit to delivering the regulations<br />
and implementation of dispute<br />
resolution by 1 July <strong>2022</strong>?<br />
My Government is currently working<br />
through the implementation of the<br />
scheme, including how it may impact<br />
with work being undertaken by the<br />
Commonwealth.<br />
7<br />
BACK TO CONTENTS<br />
mtasant.com.au
8<br />
<strong>2022</strong> ELECTION<br />
Q&A WITH<br />
PETER<br />
MALINAUSKAS<br />
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION<br />
South Australia has reaped the<br />
rewards of successfully managing<br />
the health and economic impacts of<br />
COVID-19. As Australia and the world<br />
opens up, what are your priorities to<br />
ensure that businesses in this state<br />
can grow and prosper?<br />
The COVID-19 pandemic presents<br />
a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to<br />
build a better South Australia. But it<br />
won’t just happen. We must seize<br />
this moment.<br />
I am determined that the suite of<br />
policies I take to the people of South<br />
Australia in March are not just for<br />
the next election, but for the next<br />
generation.<br />
The coming years will present<br />
challenges, but they also present<br />
opportunities, the likes of which we<br />
haven’t seen since World War II. I<br />
have already announced some of<br />
my policies for the future and look<br />
forward to detailing more in the<br />
lead up to the election. In 30 years'<br />
time, I hope our children can say this<br />
generation saw the moment, and<br />
seized the moment.<br />
Let’s make the legacy of COVID-19 a<br />
more secure and prosperous future.<br />
The next four years will be critical<br />
for our states economic future<br />
post-COVID-19. Under a Malinauskas<br />
Labor government there will be no<br />
new taxes or sudden tax changes<br />
like we saw with the introduction<br />
of Land Tax aggregation. There will<br />
also be no dramatic increases in<br />
levies and charges.<br />
We will also deliver a long term<br />
plan to address skill shortages<br />
that are impacting so many of your<br />
businesses. Our plan for motorsport<br />
and car clubs will get more classic<br />
and historic vehicles onto the road<br />
for club events and exhibitions, and<br />
support the car restoration industry,<br />
including panel beaters, spray<br />
painters, mechanics, auto electricians<br />
and motor trimmers.<br />
COVID-19 has been a major disruptor,<br />
regularly changing the way we do<br />
business in this State. If you are<br />
elected as the next Premier, what<br />
support, clarity and confidence can<br />
automotive businesses expect from<br />
your government?<br />
We will work with the <strong>MTA</strong> and key<br />
businesses to forge a shared path<br />
driven by the consensus that a small<br />
state thrives on co-operation, not<br />
division, and that we are stronger<br />
working together towards shared<br />
goals. We will provide clear direction,<br />
because if we want businesses to<br />
employ, invest and create jobs, they<br />
need certainty in an uncertain world<br />
Currently electric vehicles only make<br />
up a very small percentage of sales<br />
in South Australia, with varying<br />
predictions about how many will be<br />
sold and when. How will you help<br />
businesses in the automotive industry<br />
plan and invest towards this future<br />
with confidence?<br />
Labor will repeal the Marshall Liberal<br />
government’s electric vehicle tax. This<br />
legislation is due to take effect from<br />
2027, and Labor will repeal it before<br />
any electric vehicles can be taxed for<br />
the kilometres they drive. We want to<br />
encourage South Australians to buy an<br />
electric vehicle and hitting them with<br />
this tax will have the opposite effect.<br />
Changing automotive technology is<br />
also putting pressure on government<br />
revenue such as national fuel excise,<br />
leading to different states and territories<br />
implementing or ruling out road user<br />
charge policies for zero and low<br />
emission vehicles. Is a road user charge<br />
at a state level in our best interests?<br />
mtasant.com.au<br />
BACK TO CONTENTS
<strong>2022</strong> ELECTION<br />
9<br />
Labor does not support the<br />
introduction state road users charges,<br />
they are not in South Australia’s best<br />
interest. That is why we will repeal the<br />
EV tax.<br />
National fuel excise has always been<br />
the responsibility of the Federal<br />
Government and any changes should<br />
be done nationally led by the Federal<br />
Government.<br />
There has been a strong focus on<br />
growing and retaining apprentices<br />
from the State and Federal<br />
governments over the past two<br />
years. What will your party do to<br />
encourage businesses to continue<br />
to invest in apprentices?<br />
I have heard loud and clear the calls<br />
from your industry and others about<br />
our state’s skills crisis. That is why<br />
I have developed and released a<br />
comprehensive education policy<br />
which is all about improving the quality<br />
of our schools, but also the pathways<br />
out of school and into employment.<br />
A central feature is my plan to build<br />
five new technical colleges. Our<br />
technical colleges policy will be built<br />
with the latest equipment and stateof-the-art<br />
technology. They will be<br />
run in conjunction with nearby high<br />
schools to allow year 10-12 students<br />
to successfully complete their <strong>SA</strong>CE,<br />
while getting trade qualifications.<br />
They will also facilitate links with local<br />
businesses, connecting students to<br />
apprenticeships and traineeships.<br />
According to AAA data, South<br />
Australia has one the highest road<br />
tolls per capita in the country, and the<br />
ABS shows that we also have one of<br />
the nation’s oldest vehicle fleets. With<br />
70 per cent of used vehicles in the<br />
state sold privately, do you support<br />
making it a legislative requirement<br />
and responsibility for those selling a<br />
vehicle to ensure it is roadworthy?<br />
Along with advancements in vehicle<br />
technology, a focus on the ‘fatal<br />
five – seat belts, speed and drink<br />
driving – Labor’s record investment<br />
in government on road infrastructure<br />
helped reduce South Australia’s road<br />
toll. South Australia’s annual road went<br />
from 138 fatalities in 2002 to under<br />
100 during our term of government.<br />
But one life lost is one too many, and<br />
we need to constantly strive to look for<br />
new ways to prevent death and serious<br />
injury on our roads.<br />
Labor does not support the<br />
introduction of mandatory vehicle<br />
inspections because of the financial<br />
burden it places on the community<br />
and the analysis from interstate<br />
jurisdictions which reveals that they<br />
only contribute a minor reduction in<br />
injury crash rates.<br />
However, we do support a voluntary<br />
vehicle inspection scheme at the<br />
change of ownership. This will provide<br />
consumers with the opportunity to<br />
seek out an accredited organisation to<br />
inspect a vehicle prior to a transaction.<br />
Consumers and the crash repair<br />
industry have had a massive win with<br />
Parliament passing laws to mandate<br />
the national Motor Vehicle Insurance<br />
and Repair Industry Code of Conduct<br />
in South Australia with binding<br />
mediation and penalties. Will you<br />
commit to delivering the regulations<br />
and implementation of dispute<br />
resolution by 1 July <strong>2022</strong>?<br />
Labor supported the Fair Trading<br />
(Motor Vehicle Insurers and Repairers)<br />
Amendment Bill, and if we form<br />
government after the March election<br />
we will deliver the regulations to<br />
ensure implementation occurs as<br />
soon as possible.<br />
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mtasant.com.au
10<br />
MEMBER PROFILE<br />
HYUNDAI RALLIES<br />
THE TEAM<br />
“With<br />
the windscreen crushed in,<br />
the roof half crushed in, we drove it<br />
through to thunderous applause.”<br />
Peter Page<br />
Hyundai <br />
Adelaide was littered with rally cars in late November<br />
last year, with the impressive vehicles seemingly on<br />
every street corner.<br />
The 2021 Shannons Adelaide Rally was as big as ever,<br />
with 400 cars participating in two stages on each of its<br />
four days.<br />
Drivers participated in over 230 competitive kilometres,<br />
making it the largest event of its type in the world in 2021.<br />
This was the first time that Hyundai entered a team into<br />
the rally, headed by Paul and Luke Page from Peter Page<br />
Hyundai, Elizabeth.<br />
“Myself and my brother did the rally as an individual<br />
Hyundai i30 N for the first time in March (2021), because<br />
it was delayed through COVID-19 – it was supposed to be<br />
in October last year,” Paul said.<br />
“It came around pretty quickly this year, we decided to<br />
put a branded group together.<br />
“For us it was excellent, we got 11 Hyundai N Performance<br />
vehicles together. We put the word out on the<br />
N Performance of South Australia Facebook page, so the<br />
majority of them came from that space, we were just rapt<br />
to be a part of it.”<br />
The rally stages were different day-to-day, taking advantage<br />
of the many twisting roads around the Adelaide Hills.<br />
“Myself and my service manager led the group, and my<br />
brother followed the group,” said Paul.<br />
“We had to keep them all together, because between<br />
stages you’ve got to drive through the streets of Adelaide<br />
or through the hills, so you can’t get lost because you’re<br />
just driving in amongst traffic.<br />
“When you get to the next stage, all the road’s blocked<br />
off – then, 3-2-1-go hard! We follow each other in four<br />
second gaps.”<br />
Lead by the striking Performance Blue car, the cars in<br />
the team were a mix of the Hyundai N Performance<br />
range, with i30s, i20s and Fastbacks.<br />
However, one car from the team was a stand-out.<br />
Also participating was an ‘old school’ Hyundai Excel<br />
race car, which regularly competes in the Hyundai Excel<br />
Racing series.<br />
“He joined us for a bit of the old school, among the new<br />
school Hyundai vehicles,” said Paul.<br />
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Excel.<br />
“On the last stage of the last day, the Excel − the actual<br />
racing car – just clipped a little bit of cliff face and a<br />
bit of gravel, and flipped on its roof,” he recalled.<br />
“Luckily, he had a roll cage. From a safety perspective,<br />
it had racing seats, it had proper harnesses, and as much<br />
as it looked a bit messy, he was fine, if a bit shaken.”<br />
But the Adelaide Rally hadn’t yet seen the end of the Excel.<br />
“It was driveable, because it had just flipped on its roof,<br />
so the suspension was good, the engine was fine,” Paul<br />
explained.<br />
“He got towed down to that final stage, jumped in the car,<br />
and drove through the finish line to a rousing reception.”<br />
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11<br />
WATCH VIDEO<br />
Being the last car to finish the race on the last day, there<br />
were plenty of people crowding the finish line in Rundle<br />
Street to watch the beat-up Hyundai come in.<br />
“With the windscreen crushed in, the roof half crushed in,<br />
we drove it through to thunderous applause. That was a lot<br />
of fun.<br />
“On the downside he had an accident, but on the positive,<br />
he was safe, and he got to drive through the finish line on<br />
Rundle Street with a lot of people watching,” Paul recalled.<br />
But the Hyundai team weren’t just participating for the<br />
racing and rally driving.<br />
“For us it was about the whole package,” said Paul.<br />
“We took all our team out to dinner on the Friday night,<br />
and then again on the Sunday night.<br />
“We entertained them with food and drink, but not too<br />
much drink as they had to jump in the car the next day!”<br />
The Adelaide Rally resembles a festival in the way it caters<br />
for spectators and brings the drivers together at the end of<br />
each day.<br />
The Gouger Street party is always a highlight, 2021 being<br />
no exception.<br />
The street is blocked with 130 exotic rally cars, putting on<br />
a show for spectators who are able to take their pick of the<br />
many restaurants along the strip.<br />
Live music and entertainment created a buzz of excitement<br />
on the night – the atmosphere at the East End finale was no<br />
different.<br />
The presentations, displays, children’s activities, and<br />
fireworks drew in massive crowds.<br />
Paul recommends this event to <strong>MTA</strong> members thinking of<br />
entering the rally car scene.<br />
“There’s plenty of time to get organised, and get your car<br />
ready, get all the safety equipment organised,” he explained.<br />
“Lock into either a racing group or a tour group, where you<br />
can get used to what’s involved.<br />
“Personally, I think it’s just a fantastic initiative, a lot of<br />
work goes into the rally, and the atmosphere was electric.”<br />
Luke would like to acknowledge and give thanks to the<br />
large numbers of volunteers whose time and efforts<br />
enabled the event to run smoothly.<br />
Paul added, “I would like to personally thank all the<br />
participants in our inaugural Hyundai branded rally as<br />
well as the NP<strong>SA</strong> for assisting, supporting, and promoting<br />
the Adelaide Rally in 2021, and we look forward to more<br />
collaboration going forward.”<br />
If any members are interested in being part of the Peter<br />
Page Hyundai rally team in <strong>2022</strong>, Paul recommends<br />
registering your interest quickly before the places are all<br />
taken, by emailing info@peterpagehyundai.com.au .<br />
“In simple terms, it’s a great event, promoting car<br />
enthusiasts, but for Peter Page Hyundai, it’s an<br />
opportunity to get your Hyundai N on the road for some<br />
fun and excitement!” Paul said.<br />
BACK TO CONTENTS<br />
mtasant.com.au
Business support<br />
every step of the way.<br />
Whether you’re starting, running or growing your business, CommBank, proud Alliance Partner of<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> <strong>SA</strong>/NT can help you do business your way.<br />
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To help you take your business to the next level, <strong>MTA</strong> <strong>SA</strong>/NT members can benefit from direct<br />
access to a dedicated CommBank Relationship Manager and team of banking specialists. They’ll<br />
work with you through every stage of your business life cycle. You’ll also receive 24/7 Australian<br />
based phone support for all your business banking needs.<br />
Business products and solutions<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> <strong>SA</strong>/NT members may be eligible to access the latest innovative business banking<br />
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These include:<br />
No merchant joining fee<br />
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To find out how CommBank can help you do business your way, contact <strong>MTA</strong> <strong>SA</strong>/NT by email<br />
mta@mtasant.com.au or call 08 8291 2000 and they’ll put you in touch with a CommBank<br />
Relationship Manager.<br />
Things you should know: ^‘Same day’ includes eCommerce card sales before 5:30pm (AEST) and EFTPOS card sales before 10pm (AEST) and is available for eligible customers with a<br />
Commonwealth Bank business transaction account and a linked Commonwealth Bank merchant facility. Offers available to referrals made via <strong>MTA</strong> <strong>SA</strong>/NT. <strong>MTA</strong> <strong>SA</strong>/NT may receive a referral<br />
fee from Commonwealth Bank for each successful referral (excludes existing customers). Applications for finance are subject to the Bank’s normal credit approval and suitability of the asset.<br />
Other fees, charges, terms and conditions may apply. As this information has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on<br />
the information, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. Please view our Merchant Agreement, Financial Services Guide and Operator and User Guides at commbank.com.au/<br />
merchantsupport. To find out more about Daily IQ, visit commbank.com.au/DailyIQ. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL and Australian credit licence 234945.
ADVOCACY<br />
13<br />
JULY 1 AMBITION<br />
FOR NEW CODE<br />
In the lead up to the State election, the <strong>MTA</strong> is urging both<br />
major parties to move swiftly to implement amendments<br />
to the Fair Trading Act that mandates the Motor Vehicle<br />
Insurance and Repair Industry (MVIRI) Code of Conduct.<br />
In 2021, the <strong>MTA</strong> achieved a landmark victory when<br />
Parliament passed legislation to introduce enforceable<br />
penalties for breaches of the Code.<br />
“This is a major reform that had the support of all sides<br />
of politics and so we feel it’s reasonable to expect this<br />
to be up and running by the first of July <strong>2022</strong>,” said Kaes<br />
Cillessen, the <strong>MTA</strong>’s Industry and Government Engagement<br />
Manager.<br />
“What remains is for regulations to be drafted by the<br />
government and the offices of the Small Business<br />
Commissioner and Consumer and Business Services<br />
prepared.<br />
“We are expecting schedule of penalties within the<br />
regulations, which will likely be expiation notices and<br />
fines that the Small Business Commissioner can issue<br />
for breaches of the Code of Conduct.”<br />
Under the Fair Trading Act, expiation notices of up to<br />
$6,000 can be issued but in practice, most industry codes<br />
only go up to $4,000. The <strong>MTA</strong> is asking the government<br />
to increase these closer to the $6,000 level.<br />
The only other jurisdiction that has the Code mandated<br />
is New South Wales, but there are no penalties for<br />
breaches. Introducing penalties for breaches makes<br />
South Australia a national leader and means that the<br />
industry is accountable to the highest standards in<br />
Australia for collision repairs.<br />
Where disputes arise between motorists, repairers and car<br />
insurance companies, the Small Business Commissioner<br />
will have the power to mediate and impose penalties.<br />
The changes will address long-standing problems in the<br />
industry that are not in the best interests of consumers<br />
and members. Disputes often centre on:<br />
• difficulties in consumers accessing their repairer of<br />
choice and claims of insurers steering consumers<br />
toward their preferred network of repairers;<br />
• the use of second-hand and/or non-original equipment<br />
manufacturer parts in repairs and related safety,<br />
warranty and liability concerns when using those parts;<br />
• a lack of transparency of information, with consumers<br />
often not being made fully aware by insurers of all the<br />
details related to their repairs and/or insurance policies;<br />
• disagreements over the methodology used by crash<br />
repairers and insurers to assess the repairs needed,<br />
and the cost of said repairs, to restore the motor<br />
vehicle back to pre-accident condition, and the quote<br />
negotiation process; and<br />
• insurers choosing to provide cash settlements to<br />
consumers instead of repairing their vehicles.<br />
“We hope that reforms at both the State and Federal<br />
level will improve the quality of repairs, as well as the<br />
relationship between insurers and repairers, for the<br />
benefit of the motoring public,” said Kaes.<br />
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mtasant.com.au
14<br />
MEMBER NEWS<br />
NOVITA MIGHTY RIVER RUN<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> member Todd Quigley recently<br />
took a break from his usual Monday to<br />
Friday to take part in the Novita Mighty<br />
River Run, boating up the Murray River<br />
from Mannum to Berri over five jampacked<br />
days.<br />
The event was a fundraiser for Novita<br />
– a charity which provides support<br />
services and equipment to kids, young<br />
people and adults living with disability<br />
in Adelaide and regional South Australia.<br />
The River Run is Novita’s once-a-year<br />
major fundraiser. This year has been<br />
the event’s most successful yet, with<br />
the participants raising over $700,000<br />
through sponsors, donations, auctions<br />
and registration fees.<br />
Todd, owner of High Quality Car Sales<br />
at Somerton Park, was among the<br />
new participants this year, on board<br />
his own 2013 Supra speedboat, the<br />
‘Knot For Sale’.<br />
“We chose to do it because it goes<br />
to a good cause. It’s for people who<br />
slip through the net – who don’t get<br />
NDIS funding. It’s a second stream to<br />
be able to help people who don’t get<br />
help,” Todd explained.<br />
Todd and his wife Ashley teamed up<br />
with friends from Trimboli Services<br />
and Valley Enterprises to form their<br />
crew of eight.<br />
“We decided that we enjoy the river,<br />
[the event] was right up our alley.<br />
“My wife and I entered the boat<br />
because registrations were about to<br />
cut off, and then one night we just<br />
mentioned it to a couple of friends,<br />
and we all decided it was a good idea.<br />
From there it all just came together.<br />
We stuck together and helped each<br />
other to make it happen,” Todd said.<br />
He and his crew raised an impressive<br />
$41,000 for the event, the highest<br />
amount out of the 32 teams.<br />
His crew started fundraising in March<br />
2021, and are thankful to their long<br />
list of sponsors, which includes some<br />
other <strong>MTA</strong> members.<br />
On day four, the participants stopped<br />
in Renmark to see where these funds<br />
are being put to use.<br />
“You spend about four hours playing<br />
games with kids with disabilities.<br />
“You get to meet the people that it’s all<br />
about, and what the charity is about.<br />
That was probably one of the most<br />
special things – to see where your<br />
money goes,” Todd said.<br />
It was clear that one of the other event<br />
highlights was passing through each<br />
of the four locks between Mannum<br />
and Berri.<br />
“There’s always a big water fight.<br />
When the boats go in and they close<br />
the lock it breaks out into a massive<br />
water fight where people have got<br />
pumps in their boat and big hoses,”<br />
said Todd.<br />
“It’s just having a bit of fun with a lot<br />
of like-minded people on the water<br />
that are just trying to do the right thing,<br />
and help out the less fortunate.”<br />
The Quigley’s highly recommend this<br />
event to other <strong>MTA</strong> members but warn<br />
that registration may be competitive<br />
next year, as this years’ event was at<br />
capacity.<br />
“We were very proud to be a part of it,<br />
and will continue to do so every year<br />
to raise funds for young people living<br />
with disabilities and to help create<br />
a more fulfilling life for them,” said<br />
Ashley.<br />
If you are interested in participating in<br />
or donating to this event, please visit<br />
the event page mightyriverrun.novita.<br />
org.au <br />
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MEMBER NEWS<br />
15<br />
AUSTRALIAN AUTO AFTERMARKET EXPO<br />
THE WORKSHOP OF<br />
THE FUTURE IS HERE ><br />
BACK TO CONTENTS<br />
mtasant.com.au
16<br />
ADVOCACY<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> PETITIONS<br />
PREMIER TO<br />
ADOPT NATIONAL<br />
FRAMEWORK<br />
The <strong>MTA</strong> has called on the State Government to come<br />
into line with the national framework for dealing with<br />
“close contacts” of people who contract COVID-19.<br />
In a letter to Premier Steven Marshall, <strong>MTA</strong> CEO Paul<br />
Unerkov also urged the Government to add the automotive<br />
sector to the list of essential services.<br />
“During November 2020 and July 2021 lockdowns, much<br />
of the automotive industry was recognised in formal<br />
directions as an essential service due to the critical<br />
importance of vehicle repair industry and its supply chain<br />
to maintaining the mobility of South Australians,” he said<br />
in the letter.<br />
“<strong>MTA</strong> members as employers have a strong commitment<br />
to the health and safety of their employees, having<br />
responsibly operated during these lockdown periods, as<br />
well as complying with ongoing public safety measures<br />
in place such as the use of masks in indoor public spaces,<br />
social distancing and the use of the COVID-<strong>SA</strong>fe Check-In<br />
system.<br />
“In a recent survey, 94.7% of South Australian <strong>MTA</strong><br />
members told us that they would like their employees<br />
who are close contacts to be able to safely return to<br />
work, provided they comply with conditions such as a<br />
“In a letter to Premier Steven<br />
Marshall, <strong>MTA</strong> CEO Paul<br />
Unerkov also urged the<br />
Government to add the<br />
automotive sector to the list<br />
of essential services.”<br />
PCR test undertaken, negative rapid antigen tests and full<br />
vaccination status, in line with other industry sectors in<br />
South Australia.<br />
“South Australia has also diverged from the definition<br />
of a close contact agreed to by National Cabinet. The<br />
conflicting arrangements and poor communication are<br />
not only causing confusion for the automotive industry -<br />
they are restricting industry’s ability to trade in an already<br />
challenging environment.<br />
“Our members are regularly advising us that employees<br />
having to isolate as close contacts is having a significant<br />
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ADVOCACY<br />
17<br />
impact on their businesses, including site shutdowns,<br />
against a backdrop of pre-existing skill shortages in the<br />
automotive industry.<br />
“Accordingly, the <strong>MTA</strong> strongly urges you to adopt the<br />
national framework in South Australia as a matter of<br />
urgency.”<br />
The <strong>MTA</strong>’s Industry Government Engagement Manager,<br />
Kaes Cillessen, said the situation was “quite dire”. Many<br />
businesses were impacted because staff were being<br />
forced into isolation as casual or close contacts.<br />
“We have seen a growing list of shortages and a clear<br />
need to keep industry and businesses going,” he said.<br />
“National Cabinet adopted a new definition of a close<br />
contact, essentially with a four-hour a benchmark, mainly<br />
in household environments.<br />
“There was some indication that South Australia was<br />
going to be a signatory to that, but ultimately we learned<br />
from <strong>SA</strong> Health that <strong>SA</strong> would act separately from the rest<br />
of the country. It was very confusing and disappointing for<br />
our members.<br />
“There are obviously people who are sick with COVID-19<br />
and need to isolate. But are a lot of healthy people<br />
just forced into isolation for long periods of time and<br />
businesses are shutting down.<br />
“The second issue relates to critical industries, where if you<br />
are a close contact but double vaxxed, asymptomatic and<br />
have a negative test, you could return to work wearing a<br />
mask.<br />
“Disappointingly, South Australia again went with its own<br />
framework, which included some industries but largely<br />
overlooked the automotive industry.<br />
“Once again, <strong>SA</strong> is departing from what we thought was a<br />
consistent national framework.<br />
“In the past there has been a recognition that the<br />
automotive industry, particularly repair and the parts supply<br />
chain, is an essential service to keeping the mobility of<br />
Australians in place.<br />
“So we really strongly urged the Premier to adopt those<br />
national standards in South Australia.”<br />
The Premier responded to the <strong>MTA</strong> acknowledging our<br />
request to expand the list to include the automotive<br />
industry, but disappointingly did not commit to alignment<br />
with National Cabinet’s framework.<br />
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mtasant.com.au
18<br />
LONG-STANDING MEMBER<br />
RHEMAC<br />
MOTORS<br />
BY LUCY BREWER<br />
Rhemac Motors, located at Gawler, was started in 1969 by<br />
friends David Jewis and John Day. The business initially<br />
specialised in mechanical repairs, led by David, and crash<br />
repairs, led by John.<br />
A little while after the business opened David’s brother,<br />
Des, joined as an apprentice mechanic. In the mid 80’s<br />
John left the business, and took the crash repair section<br />
with him. Around the same time Rhemac Motors added<br />
Engine Reconditioning as a service, led by Des. During the<br />
1990’s David’s sons, Peter and Mark, also joined the team,<br />
ensuring the business would be a family affair for the<br />
foreseeable future.<br />
Mark started as an apprentice in 1994, and has worked his<br />
way up over the years, developing as the business did.<br />
“In the mid 2000s, I started spending more time on the<br />
front counter dealing with customers, and working in the<br />
background on business improvement. Currently, I manage<br />
the engine machine shop and the parts of the business that<br />
go on in the background that no one sees,” said Mark.<br />
Rhemac Motors began as a small workshop but has<br />
broadened its offering over the years. In the 1980s, an engine<br />
machine shop was added and the business developed a<br />
specialisation in performance engine work.<br />
“Over the years, like all businesses, it adapted to suit the<br />
market of the time,” said Mark.<br />
The client range Rhemac Motors handles is extensive.<br />
The business offers services and repairs for the cars of<br />
local residents, as well as engine work for other mechanical<br />
workshops throughout South Australia and interstate.<br />
“We’ve also been an oil and lubricant distributor and<br />
reseller for various brands for many years, servicing a<br />
lot of smaller workshops and wineries in our area and in<br />
the Barossa and Clare Valleys,” said Mark. “We’ve had a<br />
close association with the RAA for many years starting as<br />
an approved repairer, and then becoming a road service<br />
contractor for the Gawler area.”<br />
Rhemac Motors moved shops a decade ago, a process<br />
Mark stated was a career highlight, and marked a new<br />
stage for the business.<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> CEO Paul Unerkov awarding Rhemac Motors with their 50-Year<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> Membership Certificate.<br />
“To move an entire workshop and machine shop, with<br />
as minimal impact to business as possible, and get the<br />
chance to set the workshop up from a clean slate was a<br />
massive challenge,” he said. “It took an immense amount<br />
of planning and work, but to see it all come together and<br />
end up with the result we did was fantastic.”<br />
COVID-19 proved challenging for Rhemac Motors with an<br />
initial decline in work. However, Mark has since seen a<br />
significant upside to the pandemic as far as mechanical<br />
workshops are concerned.<br />
“More recently with the restrictions and unpredictable<br />
nature of travel, I believe it’s driven a boom in hobbyist<br />
restorations and rebuilds which has seen us very busy,”<br />
he said.<br />
Rhemac Motors recently celebrated their 50-Year <strong>MTA</strong><br />
Membership milestone, an amazing achievement that<br />
shows their dedication to the <strong>SA</strong> automotive industry.<br />
“The <strong>MTA</strong> provide a valuable range or resources and advice<br />
that we can rely on to help our business in many ways,<br />
including keeping up with current regulations, advocating<br />
for our industry, and training and support that smaller<br />
businesses need,” said Mark.<br />
As for the future (perhaps inspired by the pandemic),<br />
Rhemac Motors is focussed on change: “If our business<br />
isn’t looking to the future and changing to adapt, then the<br />
future will pass us by.”<br />
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It all starts<br />
with spirit<br />
With low fees and a history of strong<br />
returns, we back hard-working Aussies.<br />
spiritsuper.com.au<br />
Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia<br />
Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS and TMD at<br />
spiritsuper.com.au/pds before making a decision. Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance. The value of investments<br />
can rise or fall, and investment returns can be positive or negative.<br />
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20<br />
WORKPLACE RELATIONS<br />
WORKPLACE<br />
VACCINATION<br />
REQUIREMENTS<br />
The purpose of this article is to<br />
provide a guide to Members on how to<br />
navigate COVID-19 vaccination in the<br />
workplace, and to ensure they meet<br />
their WHS obligations. It provides<br />
members with tools on how to<br />
implement such a policy, or determine<br />
whether it is the right step for the<br />
business.<br />
WORKPLACE VACCINATION<br />
OBLIGATIONS<br />
Employers have obligations under<br />
work health and safety legislation<br />
to, as far as reasonably practicable,<br />
reduce the risk of injury or illness<br />
occurring in the workplace. Therefore,<br />
employers must consider what control<br />
measures can be implemented to<br />
reduce the likelihood of the spread<br />
of infectious diseases (eg COVID-19<br />
or influenza) in the workplace.<br />
This may include implementing a<br />
voluntary immunisation program<br />
encouraging employees to get<br />
vaccinated. Consideration may also<br />
be given to whether it is reasonable<br />
and appropriate to implement a policy<br />
requiring employees to be vaccinated.<br />
DIRECTING AN EMPLOYEE<br />
TO GET VACCINATED<br />
Generally, there are three<br />
circumstances where you can<br />
reasonably require an employee to<br />
be vaccinated in order to continue<br />
to attend the workplace:<br />
• where there is a requirement under<br />
a State or Territory law or public<br />
health order<br />
• where there is a term in an<br />
applicable employment contract,<br />
enterprise agreement, or other<br />
registered agreement that requires<br />
an employee to get vaccinated<br />
against a particular disease, or<br />
• if no legal requirement exists,<br />
where the direction to vaccinate is<br />
considered lawful and reasonable.<br />
Information and rules regarding<br />
workplace vaccinations are subject<br />
to change with evolving government<br />
guidance and Fair Work Commission<br />
cases in this area.<br />
LEGAL REQUIREMENT TO<br />
BE VACCINATED<br />
Where a government imposed<br />
health order requires an employee<br />
to be vaccinated, it is important that<br />
they comply with that order, and<br />
that steps are taken to ensure that<br />
they are compliant (such as asking<br />
the employee to provide proof of<br />
vaccination). In most cases, a failure<br />
to comply with a government health<br />
order will be an offence, punishable<br />
by penalties and potentially,<br />
imprisonment.<br />
It is important to notify employees of<br />
vaccination requirements under any<br />
government law or public health order<br />
and follow the relevant guidelines.<br />
Vaccination exemptions may exist for<br />
some employees, such as on medical<br />
grounds. If an employee is exempt,<br />
obtain evidence of their circumstances<br />
and put in place measures to mitigate<br />
the risk of infection transmission.<br />
Where an employee cannot, or does<br />
not wish to comply with a government<br />
direction in relation to vaccination,<br />
there may be consequences for their<br />
ongoing employment.<br />
Please contact the <strong>MTA</strong> Team on 08<br />
8291 2000 to discuss your options.<br />
NO LEGAL REQUIREMENT<br />
TO BE VACCINATED<br />
In the absence of a government<br />
health order, you can implement a<br />
vaccination policy where it is a lawful<br />
and reasonable direction. A direction<br />
may be considered lawful if it is not<br />
contrary to an employment contract,<br />
enterprise agreement, or award, or a<br />
Commonwealth, State, or Territory law<br />
that applies. Generally, a direction<br />
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WORKPLACE RELATIONS<br />
that an employee provide their<br />
employer with proof of vaccination<br />
will be lawful.<br />
The more difficult question will be<br />
whether a direction to vaccinate is<br />
reasonable. Whether it is a reasonable<br />
direction will need to take into account<br />
all the relevant circumstances, which<br />
will include:<br />
• the nature of the workplace<br />
(is there a possibility that<br />
employees can come into contact<br />
with the disease, for example<br />
interacting with members of the<br />
public or working in close proximity<br />
to other employees?)<br />
• the employee’s circumstances,<br />
including the nature and risks<br />
of the duties they perform in an<br />
environment which may be prone<br />
to infection spread or where close<br />
contact with vulnerable people is<br />
required<br />
• the effectiveness of other<br />
measures to successfully mitigate<br />
the risk of infection spread (such<br />
as PPE), and<br />
• whether the employee has a valid<br />
reason for refusing the vaccine.<br />
To establish the reasonableness<br />
of a direction to get vaccinated,<br />
undertake a risk assessment and<br />
consult with employees. If you cannot<br />
direct an employee to be vaccinated,<br />
consider encouraging employees<br />
to be vaccinated (for example, by<br />
arranging for a workplace vaccination<br />
program, or providing paid leave for an<br />
employee to obtain a vaccination).<br />
Before implementing any vaccination<br />
policy, contact the Workplace<br />
Relations Team on 08 8291 2000 for<br />
specific advice on your circumstances.<br />
RISK ASSESSMENTS<br />
AND MEETING YOUR<br />
OBLIGATIONS<br />
When considering whether to<br />
implement any vaccination policy,<br />
conduct a risk assessment in<br />
consultation with your workers<br />
assessing the risk and likelihood of<br />
infection in the workplace in light of<br />
your operations, public health advice,<br />
and regulatory guidance.<br />
Vaccination, whether encouraged<br />
or mandated, may be a reasonable<br />
control measure to address infection<br />
transmission risks. However, other<br />
controls may still be required to<br />
adequately address health risks<br />
and meet your health and safety<br />
obligations. Alternative control<br />
measures include providing Personal<br />
Protective Equipment (PPE), practicing<br />
hand hygiene, and implementing<br />
a detailed Infection Control Policy.<br />
These should especially be considered<br />
if your risk assessment identifies<br />
vaccination as a reasonable control<br />
measure but it cannot be implemented<br />
for whatever reason.<br />
A further alternative to vaccination<br />
could be to require an employee to<br />
return a negative pathology test for<br />
a particular disease. A direction to<br />
take a test still needs to be lawful<br />
and reasonable, connected to the<br />
employee’s employment and nature<br />
of their workplace, and necessary for<br />
an employer to know the employee’s<br />
fitness to work.<br />
REQUESTING PROOF OF<br />
VACCINATION<br />
You may request evidence that an<br />
employee has received a vaccination,<br />
such as a copy of the employee’s<br />
Immunisation History Record or<br />
the COVID-19 certificate issued by<br />
Medicare / MyGov. An employee<br />
may refuse to provide evidence if the<br />
request is not related to a mandatory<br />
vaccination. Review the Office of the<br />
Australian Information Commissioner<br />
website to ensure you are aware of<br />
any privacy obligations.<br />
COST OF THE<br />
VACCINATION<br />
There may be terms in the applicable<br />
award, enterprise agreement or<br />
employment contract regarding costs<br />
associated with vaccinations which<br />
must be met.<br />
21<br />
REQUIRING VACCINATIONS<br />
OR PROVIDING<br />
IMMUNI<strong>SA</strong>TION PROGRAM<br />
If vaccination is imposed as a term<br />
of employment, then you must pay<br />
the cost of the vaccination, especially<br />
in respect of existing employees.<br />
If the vaccination is supplied to the<br />
public free of charge, then ensure<br />
that the employee receives the<br />
vaccine during paid work hours<br />
(or paid as appropriate if it needs to<br />
be done outside work hours) while<br />
covering any practitioner fees and<br />
associated costs.<br />
RECOMMENDING<br />
OR ENCOURAGING<br />
VACCINATION<br />
If vaccination is not mandated in<br />
the workplace, then you do not need<br />
to cover the cost of the vaccination<br />
or provide paid time off for the<br />
employee to receive it. You may,<br />
at your discretion, consider other<br />
ways to support the employee being<br />
vaccinated such as:<br />
• agreements to access paid annual<br />
leave<br />
• flexibility in work hours or location,<br />
and<br />
• paid time off.<br />
MAKING VACCINATIONS<br />
A CONDITION OF<br />
EMPLOYMENT<br />
Making vaccinations a condition of<br />
employment may be reasonable but<br />
can carry high risk. Particularly where<br />
an employee does not want to (or<br />
cannot) be vaccinated, there is a risk<br />
of workplace dispute, unfair dismissal,<br />
general protections or discrimination<br />
claims being raised. Given these risks,<br />
it is important to seek advice before<br />
implementing or seeking to enforce<br />
any vaccination policy.<br />
More questions? Call the <strong>MTA</strong> team<br />
on 08 8291 2000 or email wr@<br />
mtasant.com.au for specific advice<br />
on your employment and health and<br />
safety responsibilities in relation to<br />
vaccinations in the workplace.<br />
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mtasant.com.au
22<br />
LONG-STANDING MEMBERS<br />
Southgate<br />
Automotive <br />
25-YEAR<br />
MEMBER<br />
Jeremy Scott presents Peter Altman, of<br />
Southgate Automotive, with a 25-Year <strong>MTA</strong><br />
Membership certificate.<br />
75-YEAR<br />
MEMBER<br />
Kincraig<br />
Motors <br />
Peter Roberts presents Reginald Pallant, of Kincraig<br />
Motors, with a 75-Year <strong>MTA</strong> Membership Certificate<br />
at the South East Zone Meeting.<br />
mtasant.com.au<br />
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NEW MEMBERS<br />
23<br />
NEW MEMBERS<br />
Abdullah Bakhtyari - Affordable Tyres<br />
Adam<br />
Nicholson<br />
Northpoint<br />
Murraylands <br />
Supreme<br />
Garage <br />
Evan Kim<br />
Scott Holland<br />
Complete Automotive<br />
Service <br />
Georgios<br />
Nikolau<br />
Headlight<br />
Restoration<br />
Adelaide <br />
Kevin Xe<br />
BDK<br />
Automotive <br />
Alexander and<br />
Falon Perkins<br />
Down South Crash<br />
Repair <br />
Olivia<br />
Stapleton Pitt<br />
DB Motors <br />
Adelaide RV <br />
Paul Back<br />
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mtasant.com.au
24<br />
CONSUMER & BUSINESS SERVICES<br />
INTERSTATE WORK<br />
OPPORTUNITIES<br />
MADE EASIER<br />
DINI SOULIO, COMMISSIONER<br />
FOR CONSUMER AND BUSINESS<br />
SERVICES<br />
Businesses and workers operate<br />
with much greater flexibility these<br />
days. They’re able to work remotely,<br />
conduct transactions with customers<br />
online, and to move across state and<br />
territory borders (where permitted<br />
under COVID-19 restrictions). The new<br />
Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR)<br />
scheme helps to facilitate workplace<br />
mobility by automatically recognising<br />
interstate licences and registrations.<br />
This saves workers from having to<br />
apply and pay for a new licence in<br />
another state or territory.<br />
Car dealers wanting to work in<br />
South Australia<br />
From 1 <strong>February</strong> <strong>2022</strong> second-hand<br />
vehicle dealers will be able to work in<br />
<strong>SA</strong> using their current dealer’s licence<br />
from another state or territory. For<br />
example, a licensed dealer in <strong>SA</strong> can<br />
employ a suitably licensed manager<br />
from interstate to work here, and<br />
a wrecker who holds an interstate<br />
licence as a second-hand dealer<br />
can sell vehicles in <strong>SA</strong>. However it<br />
is important to note that AMR only<br />
applies to individuals, not companies.<br />
If a dealer’s home state (i.e. their<br />
principal place of residence or work)<br />
becomes <strong>SA</strong> they will need to apply<br />
through existing mutual recognition<br />
arrangements to obtain a new<br />
substantive licence in <strong>SA</strong>.<br />
Interstate dealers who wish to work<br />
in <strong>SA</strong> must notify Consumer and<br />
Business Services (CBS) before<br />
commencing any work in <strong>SA</strong>. The<br />
online notification form will be<br />
available from CBS from 1 <strong>February</strong><br />
<strong>2022</strong>. There is no fee for notification.<br />
Interstate dealers will need to meet<br />
the same legal requirements as <strong>SA</strong><br />
dealers while they are working in <strong>SA</strong>.<br />
Upon notification, CBS will provide<br />
interstate dealers with a factsheet<br />
highlighting certain requirements in<br />
<strong>SA</strong> – e.g. contract requirements, duty<br />
to repair defects, and cooling off rights<br />
for purchasers.<br />
Car dealers wanting to work interstate<br />
All states and territories, other than<br />
Queensland, have agreed to join the<br />
AMR scheme. If you are a licensed<br />
second-hand vehicle dealer in <strong>SA</strong><br />
and wish to work in another state or<br />
territory you will need to check:<br />
• if AMR has commenced for<br />
second-hand vehicle dealers in<br />
that particular state or territory<br />
• that you are eligible for AMR<br />
• if the licensing authority in that<br />
state or territory requires you to<br />
notify them before commencing<br />
any work in that state or territory<br />
– if so they will provide an online<br />
notification form. There is no fee<br />
for notification.<br />
Bear in mind that this arrangement<br />
is only available where <strong>SA</strong> remains<br />
your home state. If you move your<br />
home state you will need to apply<br />
through existing mutual recognition<br />
arrangements to obtain a new<br />
substantive licence in that state or<br />
territory.<br />
Eligibility<br />
You will not be eligible for AMR if you:<br />
• are disqualified or suspended from<br />
carrying on business as a secondhand<br />
vehicle dealer or have been<br />
refused a dealer’s licence<br />
• are subject to disciplinary, civil or<br />
criminal action or know you are<br />
under investigation<br />
• have conditions placed on your<br />
home state licence as a result of<br />
disciplinary or court action.<br />
Important safeguards<br />
AMR incorporates safeguards to<br />
maintain standards when people are<br />
working in another state or territory.<br />
For second-hand vehicle dealers, this<br />
means that you must:<br />
• hold a dealer’s licence in your home<br />
state or territory<br />
• only work within the scope and<br />
conditions of your existing licence<br />
or registration<br />
• obey the local laws in the<br />
jurisdiction you work in, otherwise<br />
you may face disciplinary action,<br />
licence suspension or cancellation,<br />
and be excluded from AMR<br />
• meet public protection<br />
requirements that relate to your<br />
occupation.<br />
Other occupations<br />
Other CBS-regulated occupations that<br />
will be covered by AMR include:<br />
• Builders and tradespeople<br />
• Plumbers, gas-fitters and<br />
electricians<br />
• Gaming machine technicians<br />
• Real estate professionals and<br />
conveyancers<br />
• Security and investigation agents.<br />
Further information<br />
For more information about AMR<br />
please visit www.cbs.sa.gov.au/news/<br />
automatic-recognition-licences .<br />
mtasant.com.au<br />
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25<br />
Asta McCormack<br />
Superannuation Adviser<br />
Advice<br />
Get the right advice<br />
about your super<br />
Our Superannuation Advisers are here to help you<br />
get the most out of your super. No matter how<br />
simple or complex your needs, we offer the right<br />
advice at the right time.<br />
Common questions we answer include:<br />
• How do beneficiaries work and who should I nominate?<br />
• How does the government co-contribution work?<br />
• How can I boost my retirement savings?<br />
• What is the best investment option for me?<br />
• What does my insurance cover me for?<br />
• What are my transition to retirement options?<br />
• What are the benefits of a pension account?<br />
Your local Superannuation<br />
Adviser:<br />
Asta McCormack<br />
M 0406 375 230<br />
E asta.mccormack@spiritsuper.com.au<br />
spiritsuper.com.au/advice<br />
Our Superannuation Advisers are fully qualified to give<br />
general and intra-fund advice about super and your<br />
Spirit Super account. General and intra-fund advice<br />
is offered at no additional cost — it’s all covered by<br />
your Spirit Super administration fees.<br />
Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) (Spirit Super Advice), which is wholly owned by Motor<br />
Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty. Limited (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). A<br />
copy of the Financial services guide for Spirit Super Advice is available at spiritsuper.com.au/financial-services-guide or by calling us on 1800 005 166.<br />
You should consider the Product disclosure statement and Target market determination available at spiritsuper.com.au/pds or by calling 1800 005 166<br />
before deciding if the fund is appropriate for you.<br />
BACK TO CONTENTS<br />
Get in touch today to book an appointment<br />
in person or over the phone.<br />
mtasant.com.au
26<br />
CAREERS<br />
INTRO TO AUTO<br />
The <strong>MTA</strong> has received positive feedback to date for the<br />
new initiative in its school pathways program, aiding in<br />
combatting the skills shortage in the automotive industry.<br />
Run by <strong>MTA</strong> School Pathways Coordinator, Andrew Parkes,<br />
Intro to Auto is a workshop designed as a direct response<br />
to feedback from schools, providing students with a first<br />
taste of the industry, but also equipping them with skills<br />
for life. So far, Andrew has visited Wilderness School, Para<br />
Hills High School and hosted a couple at the <strong>MTA</strong> itself.<br />
“The three-hour workshop is tailored to students in years<br />
10-12 who either have a general interest in automotive,<br />
or who are simply looking to get their Ps and become<br />
independent drivers in the near future,” he explained.<br />
There are plenty of hands-on activities to keep students<br />
engaged.<br />
“We teach them to check crucial levels, properly maintain<br />
their vehicle and safely change a tyre,” said Andrew.<br />
The highlight of the workshop is undoubtedly the<br />
virtual reality demonstration, where students are able<br />
to experience a simulation of painting a vehicle and are<br />
scored on their abilities.<br />
During the workshop, Andrew talks them through his<br />
journey in automotive, and draws upon his years of industry<br />
experience to answer questions and provide guidance to<br />
those looking to break into the industry.<br />
For those students with career aspirations outside<br />
automotive, the workshop allows them to walk away<br />
with the knowledge and skills needed to be a safe and<br />
independent driver for life.<br />
If you or someone you know is interested in attending one<br />
of the free workshops, or if you would like to recommend<br />
the workshop to a school near you, please contact Andrew<br />
Parkes on the details below.<br />
Andrew Parkes<br />
aparkes@mtasant.com.au | (08) 8241 0522<br />
mtasant.com.au<br />
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CAREERS<br />
27<br />
WATCH VIDEO<br />
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT<br />
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Paying Your Staff Correctly<br />
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As an <strong>MTA</strong> member, you’ll save more than $100 on your chosen training course.<br />
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If you’d like to know more, visit our training portal at www.mtasant.com.au/training<br />
or contact our team on: 8291 2000 or wr@mtasant.com.au<br />
<strong>MTA</strong>152.1MAY21<br />
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mtasant.com.au
28<br />
CASUAL EMPLOYMENT<br />
2021’S MAJOR CHANGES<br />
TO CASUAL EMPLOYMENT<br />
IN AUSTRALIA<br />
Early in 2021, the Fair Work Act 2009<br />
(Cth) (FW Act) was amended, making<br />
significant changes to the workplace<br />
entitlements and obligations for<br />
casual employees in Australia.<br />
These changes came into effect on<br />
27 March 2021.<br />
Here are the key things you need to<br />
know about the changes to casual<br />
employment that happened last year:<br />
OVERVIEW OF CHANGES<br />
The FW Act has been amended to<br />
include a:<br />
• Definition of a casual employee<br />
• Right for long-term casual<br />
employees to request to convert<br />
to permanent employment<br />
• Requirement that casual<br />
employees be provided with<br />
a Casual Employment Information<br />
Statement<br />
DEFINITION OF A CASUAL<br />
EMPLOYEE<br />
Recent court decisions gave rise<br />
to some uncertainty for employers<br />
as to whether an employee who<br />
was understood to be engaged<br />
on a casual basis, could be found<br />
to be a permanent employee (and<br />
entitled to the benefits of permanent<br />
employment, such as paid leave).<br />
The FW Act has now been amended<br />
to provide some clarity as to the<br />
definition of a casual employee.<br />
Now, if a person is offered<br />
employment without a “firm advance<br />
commitment to continuing and<br />
indefinite work”, and the employee<br />
accepts the offer on that basis, then<br />
the person is titled a casual employee.<br />
Significantly, the assessment<br />
of whether a person is a casual<br />
employee occurs on the basis of the<br />
offer of employment, not on the basis<br />
of any subsequent conduct of either<br />
employee/employer party.<br />
In determining whether the offer of<br />
employment makes no “firm advance<br />
commitment” of regular work, only<br />
the following considerations will be<br />
regarded:<br />
• Whether the employer can elect to<br />
offer work and whether the person<br />
can elect to accept or reject work;<br />
• Whether the person will work as<br />
required according to the needs of<br />
the employer;<br />
• Whether the employment is described<br />
as casual employment; and<br />
• Whether the person will be entitled<br />
to a casual loading or a specific<br />
rate of pay for casual employees<br />
under the terms of the offer or a<br />
fair work instrument.<br />
It is important that all members review<br />
the terms on which casual employees<br />
are engaged, to ensure that you are in<br />
the best position to defend any claims<br />
by casual employees.<br />
RIGHT TO CASUAL<br />
CONVERSION<br />
Another key update to the FW Act is<br />
the inclusion of a casual conversion<br />
procedure. While a right to request<br />
conversion to permanent employment<br />
has been in some awards for some<br />
time, the National Employment<br />
Standards now include an entitlement<br />
for all casual employees to request<br />
to become permanent (full-time or<br />
part-time, consistent with the casual’s<br />
regular pattern of hours) should they<br />
meet certain eligibility criteria.<br />
Importantly, under the amended Act,<br />
employers, other than small business<br />
employers, now have an obligation<br />
to offer casual conversion to eligible<br />
employees (or advise the employee<br />
why it is not reasonable to make such<br />
an offer).<br />
Employers must offer to convert<br />
a casual employee to permanent<br />
employment if the employee:<br />
• Has been employed for 12<br />
months; and<br />
• During the last 6 months, has<br />
worked a regular and systematic<br />
pattern of hours without significant<br />
adjustment.<br />
However, there will be no obligation<br />
on employers to make an offer if there<br />
are “reasonable business grounds” not<br />
to. In such instances, the employees<br />
cease to hold the right to request<br />
conversion for the next 6 months.<br />
Further, should an employee refuse an<br />
offer of conversion, they lose the right<br />
to convert for the next 6 months.<br />
Where an employer determines not<br />
to make an offer of conversion, they<br />
must give notice of the decision to<br />
employees within 21 days of when<br />
the right to be offered conversion<br />
occurred, or the employee retains a<br />
residual right to request conversion.<br />
To ensure compliance with the FW<br />
Act, members are encouraged to<br />
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CASUAL EMPLOYMENT<br />
29<br />
review your current arrangements<br />
with casual employees to determine<br />
if they are entitled to convert to<br />
permanency. Also, look at designing<br />
and implementing processes to<br />
ensure compliance with the new<br />
casual conversion obligations.<br />
CASUAL EMPLOYMENT<br />
INFORMATION<br />
STATEMENT<br />
The other key amendment to the FW<br />
Act is that there is now an obligation<br />
to provide casual employees with<br />
a Casual Employment Information<br />
Statement, created by the Fair Work<br />
Ombudsman, before or as soon as<br />
practicable after the commencement<br />
of their employment (this is to be<br />
provided in addition to the Fair Work<br />
Information Statement).<br />
Remember to: ensure you are<br />
providing all new casual employees<br />
with a copy of the Casual Employment<br />
Information Statement (in addition<br />
to the Fair Work Information<br />
Statement) upon commencement<br />
of their employment. Copies of the<br />
Casual Information Statement can<br />
be downloaded from the Fair Work<br />
Ombudsman’s website.<br />
A CASE STUDY: WORKPAC<br />
PTY LTD V ROS<strong>SA</strong>TO (2021)<br />
392 ALR 39<br />
In August this year, the High Court<br />
of Australia delivered a landmark<br />
decision whereby it was ruled that<br />
the primary test in determining the<br />
“casualness” of an employee is by<br />
considering the express terms of<br />
a written employment contract. Mr<br />
Rossato, who had worked regular and<br />
predictable shifts, claimed he was not<br />
a casual employee for WorkPac on<br />
this basis. He sought to be paid for<br />
various entitlements, such as annual<br />
leave, public holidays, and periods of<br />
personal and compassionate leave<br />
he had taken during the course of<br />
his employment. WorkPac sought a<br />
declaration that Mr Rossato had been<br />
a casual employee for the purposes<br />
of the FW Act, and as such, was not<br />
entitled to such payments.<br />
In finding against Mr Rossato, The<br />
Court determined that the test for<br />
casual employment is based on<br />
whether there was a “firm advance<br />
commitment” in the enforceable terms<br />
of a contract of employment, and as<br />
such, unenforceable “understandings”<br />
about the relationship between the<br />
parties should be rejected. Further, the<br />
Court found that predictable patterns<br />
of work are not inconsistent with<br />
casual employment.<br />
This decision provided much clarity<br />
for both employers and employees<br />
regarding how casual employment<br />
is defined. This case, combined with<br />
the recent amendments to the FW<br />
Act, is envisaged to resolve much of<br />
the ambiguity which was previously<br />
surrounding casual employment.<br />
What is clear from the Rossato case<br />
and the recent changes to the FW Act,<br />
is that it is critical that employers have<br />
clear written terms of engagement<br />
with their casual employees.<br />
Members are encouraged to utilise<br />
the resources available from the <strong>MTA</strong>,<br />
and seek advice, to ensure that their<br />
business is best protected from any<br />
future claims.<br />
ANY FURTHER<br />
QUESTIONS?<br />
If you have any further questions<br />
about the topics raised in this article,<br />
please contact the <strong>MTA</strong> WR Team on<br />
8291 2000 for further advice.<br />
BACK TO CONTENTS<br />
mtasant.com.au
30<br />
SKILLS<br />
<strong>2022</strong> HYBRID AND ELECTRIC<br />
VEHICLE COURSE DATES<br />
NOW AVAILABLE<br />
Upskill now and avoid missed income opportunities for<br />
your business by getting up to speed on hybrid and electric<br />
(HEV/BEV) vehicles.<br />
The <strong>MTA</strong>’s Registered Training Organisation offers<br />
the only introductory HEV/BEV course held in South<br />
Australia at the Skills and Careers Centre, Royal Park<br />
(RTO No. 2293).<br />
The automotive industry is currently experiencing rapid<br />
change with the increasing HEV/BEV uptake.<br />
As this technology only becomes more prominent,<br />
your workshop will need technicians with the specialised<br />
skills to meet the service demands of the community.<br />
Preparing your staff for this rapid change is critical to<br />
the future of your business!<br />
Held over two-nights, this introductory course equips<br />
industry professionals with the skills to depower and<br />
reinitialise HEV and BEV systems, including a working<br />
competency of safe work practices, vehicle specific<br />
requirements, policies, procedures and more.<br />
Units<br />
AURETH101 Depower and reinitialise battery electric<br />
vehicles<br />
AURETH011 Depower and reinitialise hybrid electric<br />
vehicles<br />
Participants who successfully complete the course<br />
will be awarded a Statement of Attainment.<br />
Held over two nights, the advanced course expands upon<br />
the above short course and takes participants through<br />
further practices.<br />
This advanced course is a must for businesses and staff<br />
wanting to confidently work in this growing field.<br />
Units<br />
AURETH101 Depower and reinitialise battery electric<br />
vehicles<br />
AURETH002 Service and maintain battery electric vehicles<br />
AURETH103 Diagnose and repair high voltage rechargeable<br />
energy storage systems in battery electric vehicles<br />
AURETH107 Diagnose and repair system instrumentation<br />
and safety interlocks in battery electric vehicles<br />
AURETH110 Diagnose and repair high voltage rechargeable<br />
energy storage systems in hybrid electric vehicles<br />
AURETH011 Depower and reinitialise hybrid electric<br />
vehicles<br />
AURETH012 Service and maintain electrical components<br />
in hybrid electric vehicles<br />
NEW DATES AVAILABLE!<br />
To learn more about the accredited Core and Elective Units<br />
and view all <strong>2022</strong> dates, visit the course page here .<br />
If you’re ready to book or have questions regarding course<br />
delivery and accreditation, call us on 8241 0522 or email<br />
mtatraining@mtasant.com.au .<br />
mtasant.com.au
Have your say!<br />
Come and network with other like-minded<br />
members to discuss what matters to you<br />
Divisional Meetings<br />
Farm and Industrial Machinery Dealers Association 4 th FEB Click here to register for online meeting<br />
Automotive Dealers Association 11 th FEB Click here to register for online meeting<br />
General 2 nd MAR Click here to register for online meeting<br />
Automotive Dismantlers 3 rd MAR Click here to register for online meeting<br />
Body Repair Specialists 15 th MAR Click here to register for online meeting<br />
Licenced Vehicle Dealers 17 th MAR Click here to register for online meeting<br />
Towing Services 24 th MAR Click here to register for online meeting<br />
Commercial Vehicle Industry Association 7 th APR Click here to register for online * meeting<br />
*Or at <strong>MTA</strong> House 81 Greenhill Rd, Wayville<br />
Zone Meetings<br />
Barossa, Light & Lower North 1 st FEB Click here to register for online meeting<br />
Riverland 15 th FEB Click here to register for online meeting<br />
Upper North 22 nd FEB Click here to register for online meeting<br />
Far North 24 th FEB Click here to register for online meeting<br />
Eyre Peninsula 9 th MAR Click here to register for online * meeting<br />
*Or at Port Lincoln Hotel, Port Lincoln<br />
South Coast 23 rd MAR Click here to register for online * meeting<br />
*Or at Beach Hotel Seaford, Seaford<br />
South Coast (Kangaroo Island) 29 th MAR Click here to register for online * meeting<br />
*Or at Aurora Ozone Hotel, Kingscote<br />
Hills & Murraylands 5 th APR Click here to register for online * meeting<br />
*Or at Murray Bridge Hotel, Murray Bridge<br />
Having trouble registering? Click here<br />
Are you staying up-to-date?<br />
Make sure you’re following us on social media so you<br />
don’t miss out on social-only content!<br />
Motor Trade Association of <strong>SA</strong>/NT<br />
BACK TO CONTENTS<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> Apprenticeships<br />
<strong>MTA</strong>170.1JAN22
32<br />
BACK IN THE<br />
DAY WITH <strong>MTA</strong><br />
FEBRUARY 1992<br />
We’ve dusted off the archives and stepped back in time<br />
thirty years to take a look at what was making news in<br />
our <strong>February</strong> 1992 edition of the Motor Trade Journal.<br />
SIGN OF THE TIMES<br />
• Average price of petrol: 68.3c<br />
MEMBER SERVICES<br />
• Bathurst 1000 Winners: Jim Richards and Mark Skaife<br />
in a Nissan Skyline BNR32 GT-R<br />
• Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix Winner: Mick Doohan<br />
(Honda)<br />
• Top selling car: Ford Falcon 57,832 sales<br />
• ARIA Top Single: Achy Breaky Heart – Billy Ray Cyrus<br />
(seven weeks)<br />
A NOVEL APPROACH<br />
Always an innovator in the motor trade, Jack Henderson,<br />
a director of South Pacific Motors in Christchurch, has<br />
decided on a novel approach to market Japanese imports<br />
by establishing a salesman-free zone. In other words, there<br />
is to be a used car yard but never a salesman patrolling it.<br />
After a lifetime in the business, Henderson agrees that<br />
some shoppers do get turned off by salesmen, and the time<br />
is ripe to set up a yard without them.<br />
“In my experience, the car shoppers know just about as<br />
much as the salesman… shoppers will feel free to inspect<br />
the entire range of cars… free from tension building<br />
salesmen looking over their shoulder, and disconcerting<br />
them with a seemingly never-ending stream of chatter,”<br />
Henderson said.<br />
GOODYEAR CHAIRMAN<br />
STANLEY GAULT ADVOCATES<br />
RETREADABLE TIRES<br />
In a recent interview with the Editor of Modern Tyre Dealer<br />
magazine, Stanley Gault, Chairman and CEO Tyre & Rubber<br />
Company said, “Currently, there is concern about the<br />
environment and the scrap tyre problem.”<br />
“We’re responding by accelerating the development of a<br />
breakthrough product, an environmentally sound, highmileage<br />
tyre.”<br />
A TWO-STROKE FOR<br />
FORD’S NEW GHIA ZAG<br />
Ghia’s concept design for a sub-compact leisure<br />
vehicle for the 21st century – Zag – powered by a<br />
revolutionary two-stroke engine, is exciting interest<br />
in the motor industry.<br />
mtasant.com.au<br />
BACK TO CONTENTS
MEMBER SERVICES<br />
33<br />
BUSINESS PARTNERS INDEX<br />
APPRENTICE HOSTING<br />
P: 8241 0522 |<br />
adminroyalpark@<br />
mtasant.com.au <br />
EFTPOS FACILITIES<br />
P: 13 22 21<br />
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE<br />
P: 8215 6799 |<br />
accesssa.com.au <br />
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVICE<br />
P: 8291 2000 | wr@<br />
mtasant.com.au <br />
OFFICE SUPPLIES<br />
officeworks.com.au/<br />
mtasa <br />
PARTS BUYING<br />
P: 1800 EASIER<br />
(1800 327 437)<br />
WORKPLACE COMPLIANCE<br />
P: 8291 2000 | wr@<br />
mtasant.com.au <br />
<strong>MTA</strong> Group Training Organisation<br />
When you host an apprentice through the <strong>MTA</strong>, you don’t<br />
have to worry about advertising, interviewing, medical<br />
checks or being the legal employer for the Contract<br />
of Training. We shortlist based on the criteria you set,<br />
meaning we’ll find you an apprentice that is right for your<br />
business. Forget WorkCover, payroll tax, annual leave,<br />
sick leave, training fees, wages and super - we’ll take<br />
care of that. And there’s more - <strong>MTA</strong> Field Officers also<br />
conduct regular workplace visits and contacts to ensure<br />
you and your apprentice have the support you need.<br />
Commonwealth Bank<br />
The <strong>MTA</strong> offers ultra-competitive EFTPOS transaction<br />
rates for members through our partnership<br />
with Commonwealth Bank. Please contact the<br />
Commonwealth Bank to find out the latest deal.<br />
Access Programs Employee<br />
Assistance Program<br />
Services to <strong>MTA</strong> members at the sessional rate of<br />
$135 (plus GST) without any retainer. Five convenient<br />
locations: Adelaide, Bedford Park, Elizabeth, Salisbury,<br />
Noarlunga. Phone appointments are also available.<br />
GreenStamp<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> members can benefit from environmental<br />
compliance advice, briefings, training and on-site<br />
assessments. GreenStamp is an accreditation program<br />
that recognises and promotes businesses which have<br />
implemented sound environmental practices.<br />
Officeworks<br />
The Officeworks partnership gives business pricing only<br />
available to <strong>MTA</strong> members on a wide range of office<br />
essentials, by signing up to a 30 Day Business Account,<br />
as well as free delivery across South Australia including<br />
regional areas, excluding large or bulky items.<br />
Capricorn<br />
Capricorn Society Limited is the largest independent<br />
automotive parts buying co-operative in Australia,<br />
providing the majority of parts and services to<br />
mechanical workshops, service stations and crash<br />
repairers throughout the country. Call toll free to find out<br />
how you can save your business both time and money.<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> Audits<br />
The <strong>MTA</strong> can provide WHS & HR workplace inspections<br />
and provide recommendations and support to fill the<br />
gaps required.<br />
PRINTING & GRAPHIC DESIGN<br />
P: 8179 9907 |<br />
orders.mta@laneprint.<br />
com.au <br />
<strong>SA</strong>FETY SIGNS<br />
P: (08) 8266 3600 |<br />
sossafetysigns.com.<br />
au <br />
SUPERANNUATION<br />
P: 1800 005 166 |<br />
spiritsuper.com.au <br />
UPSKILLING TRAINING<br />
P: 8241 0522 |<br />
adminroyalpark@<br />
mtasant.com.au <br />
<strong>MTA</strong> Print<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> Print is your one stop shop when it comes to<br />
your printing needs – we are more than just business<br />
cards! We are small run digital & offset specialists, with<br />
services including motor trades stock stationery, forms<br />
& products ($27 trade plate covers), an in-house graphic<br />
designer for your logos, printing, digital advertising<br />
and social media, special product sourcing (you ask,<br />
we find), books, pads, sequential numbering and<br />
perforation for invoice books, job cards, flyers, stickers<br />
(service & lube as well), booklets and training manuals.<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> members get a 20% discount on all products.<br />
SOS Safety Signs<br />
No matter the size of your workplace, safety signs are<br />
vital for ensuring the safety of your employees. Whether<br />
you are directing them where to go, restricting certain<br />
areas or alerting them to hazards, SOS Safety Signs has<br />
all your signage needs covered.<br />
Spirit Super<br />
Spirit Super is the national industry-based super fund<br />
that has proudly served the motor trades and allied<br />
industries for over 25 years. We make administering<br />
super simple and efficient. It’s what makes us the<br />
preferred choice of over 40,000 employers. Call 1800<br />
005 166 or visit spiritsuper.com.au/Employers/supportfor-your-business<br />
You should consider the PDS in<br />
making a decision.<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> Registered Training Organisation<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> offers Upskilling courses to upgrade the skills of<br />
qualified automotive technicians. Courses include Air<br />
Conditioning, Forklift, Hybrid & Battery Electric Vehicles,<br />
Recognition of Prior Learning, SRS Airbags, and Wheel<br />
Alignment. Members receive a discounted price on<br />
courses.<br />
WORKPLACE RELATIONS & IR TRAINING<br />
P: 8291 2000 |<br />
wr@mtasant.com.au <br />
<strong>MTA</strong> Training<br />
<strong>MTA</strong> offers courses designed to help manage people,<br />
ensure compliance, navigate the complex regulatory<br />
environment & tackle difficult workplace issues.<br />
Courses include WHS & Safe Work Compliance,<br />
Show Me the Money (Debt recovery in your business),<br />
Worker’s Compensation - The good, the bad and the<br />
ugly, Bullying - Behaving badly, Electrical Testing &<br />
Tagging, Emergency Warden (Fire Warden Training),<br />
HVNL (Chain of Responsibility), Employment Contract<br />
Essentials, Tough Talks, Workplace Relations, Paying<br />
your Staff Correctly, Refund, Repair or Replace<br />
(Australian Consumer Law) Training, Performance<br />
Management, Misconduct & Discipline and Christmas<br />
Essentials. Members receive a discounted price on<br />
courses.<br />
BACK TO CONTENTS<br />
mtasant.com.au
34<br />
A FREE ADVERTISING SECTION FOR <strong>MTA</strong> MEMBERS<br />
CLASSIFIEDS<br />
June <strong>2022</strong> Motor Trade magazine: Email your listing of no more than 50 words to<br />
Madelaine at mraschella@boylen by Friday 20 May <strong>2022</strong>.<br />
SERVICES<br />
CARAVANNING & CAMPER TRAILER NEEDS<br />
Refurbishing a new or old caravan? Need<br />
parts or advice? Want to book a service<br />
or repair? Looking for a new or used van?<br />
Contact Dario Caravans & Repairs Ph: 08<br />
8277 4388 or email: info@dariocaravans.<br />
com.au . We are here to help with all your<br />
Caravanning & Camper Trailer needs.<br />
HAIL DAMAGE? We are a fully qualified<br />
Paintless Dent Repair business. We can<br />
quote and repair your hail damage.<br />
Approved quoting/repairs for RAA, Shannons,<br />
CommInsure, Seniors Insurance (Hollard<br />
Insurance) and more. Call Two Wells PDR<br />
and Restorations – Michael 0409 555 700<br />
twpdr@bigpond.com .<br />
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY<br />
PETER PAGE AUTOMOTIVE is a family<br />
owned and operated, multi-award-winning<br />
motor vehicle dealership specialising in the<br />
sale and servicing of new and used. With the<br />
unprecedented growth in our service<br />
business, we are seeking applications for a<br />
suitably qualified Site Manager, Service<br />
Advisor, Senior and Apprentice Technicians.<br />
These are full-time roles based at our new AC<br />
Delco Portside Service centre in Queenstown,<br />
scheduled for opening early in <strong>2022</strong>. Please<br />
send your resumes to Colin Baker colinb@<br />
peterpage.com.au .<br />
SERVICE TECHNICIANS AND ACCESSORY<br />
FITTERS WANTED. Australian Motors is<br />
seeking Service Technicians and Accessory<br />
Fitters to work across our four reputable<br />
brands; Mitsubishi, Mazda, Suzuki, Isuzu UTE.<br />
Please email your resume and cover letter to<br />
Chelsea at cvalente@australianmotors.com.<br />
au .<br />
POSITION AVAILABLE for a Qualified<br />
(or possibly a 3rd year apprentice) Technician<br />
for our busy workshop in Saddleworth <strong>SA</strong>.<br />
Must be able to work with others or on your<br />
own. Good sense of humour is essential<br />
and a driver’s licence is preferred. Genuine<br />
applicants only. Phone 08 88474185 or email<br />
resume to sworthmotors@bigpond.com .<br />
QUALIFIED DIESEL MECHANIC WANTED<br />
Casual or full-time option available. Please<br />
contact 08 8465 7380 or pipli@pipli.com.au .<br />
ADELAIDE VEHICLE CENTRE is seeking sales<br />
trainees due to expansion. Please contact<br />
David Vincent at avcsales@bigpond.com .<br />
WSB DISTRIBUTORS has exciting<br />
employment opportunities for Agricultural<br />
Diesel and Service Technicians at<br />
Jamestown, Saddleworth and Karoonda.<br />
To apply, send your resume and cover letter<br />
to hr@wsb.com.au .<br />
REDARC are seeking an experienced<br />
auto-electrician looking to progress from the<br />
workshop to a career at REDARC, working at<br />
the forefront as part of our customer service<br />
team responsible for providing the legendary<br />
support that keeps our customers exploring.<br />
To learn more contact us at people@redarc.<br />
com.au .<br />
WANTED TO SELL<br />
ALTERNATORS $45 HEADLIGHTS $42 DISC<br />
BRAKE ROTORS $28 RADIATORS $77 DOORS<br />
$103, TAILLIGHTS $41, GAS STRUTS $14.<br />
Cheapest Parts in <strong>SA</strong>. 7 Days a Week.<br />
Lonsdale, Elizabeth and Gillman. Stock list<br />
online at upullit.com.au .<br />
FOR <strong>SA</strong>LE: 22-tonne air over hydraulic truck<br />
jack, very little use and surplus to requirements.<br />
Way below cost of new $400. Call Adelaide<br />
Brake & Mechanical 08 8349 9934.<br />
WHYALLA BUSINESS FOR <strong>SA</strong>LE. Natrad<br />
Franchise. Radiators, air-conditioning,<br />
mechanical services and repairs. Including<br />
log book services to all makes and models.<br />
All enquires, call 0428 844 605.<br />
THE DIRT OFF ROAD CAMPERS has<br />
Adelaide’s best and largest range of premium<br />
off-road hybrid vans. Multi-award winning<br />
dealer. More details go to www.thedirt4wd.<br />
com.au or visit our showroom at 26 Light<br />
Cres, Mt Barker <strong>SA</strong>.<br />
Holeshot Auto Supplies - Mobile Van Sales to<br />
Workshops ranging from - Consumables,<br />
Fasteners, Clips, Jlm Additives Specialising<br />
in Diesel, Uniwipers, Tools, Abrasives and<br />
More. Call Roc on 0422 290 817.<br />
WANTED TO BUY<br />
WRECKING PLUS MORE. One of South<br />
Australia’s largest auto recyclers. We recycle<br />
most makes and models from the 60’s to<br />
current. Always buying wrecked, defected,<br />
end-of-life vehicles, cars, trucks, buses, utes,<br />
4x4 and SUV. Locations at Greenacers,<br />
Lonsdale, Port Wakefield and Port Augusta.<br />
Contact pw@wreckingplusmore.com.au or<br />
call 8369 1111.<br />
NIS<strong>SA</strong>N & DATSUN DISMANTLERS. We<br />
have/want NIS<strong>SA</strong>N Pulsar * NIS<strong>SA</strong>N Tiida *<br />
NIS<strong>SA</strong>N Skyline * NIS<strong>SA</strong>N Micra * NIS<strong>SA</strong>N<br />
Bluebird * NIS<strong>SA</strong>N Pintara * NIS<strong>SA</strong>N Silvia *<br />
NIS<strong>SA</strong>N Maxima DATSUN 1000, 1200, 120y,<br />
SUNNY 1600 180b, 200b, 240k Bluebird &<br />
Stanza models in all body types *NIS<strong>SA</strong>N<br />
4X4, van and utes. Wrecking late model<br />
NIS<strong>SA</strong>N Xtrail, Daulis. FREE CAR PICK UP.<br />
Grand Auto Wreckers - NIS<strong>SA</strong>N & DATSUN<br />
SPECIALISTS www.grandauto.com.au or<br />
call 8382 6066.<br />
U-PULL-IT PAYS CASH FOR CARS – We want<br />
cars in any condition: crashed, damaged,<br />
scrapped, running or not running. FREE<br />
REMOVAL - Call Justin on 0408 782 480<br />
for an instant cash price and same day<br />
collection, visit upullit.com.au/sell-your-car .<br />
mtasant.com.au<br />
BACK TO CONTENTS
FOLIO PLACEHOLDER<br />
The <strong>MTA</strong> is your Apprentice<br />
Recruitment Solution<br />
35<br />
The <strong>MTA</strong> is making apprentice hiring easy for automotive<br />
businesses so you can get on with running your workshop.<br />
Portside Mitsubishi Service Manager, Dylan Morris said, “It’s easy taking on a <strong>MTA</strong> apprentice.<br />
Portside finds if we get apprentices through other avenues, they just aren’t as good.”<br />
FLEXIBILITY<br />
VALUE<br />
$<br />
PEACE OF MIND<br />
Our hosting fees will cover your apprentice’s superannuation, annual and sick leave,<br />
personal development, safety gear and tools, counselling services, wages and payroll tax.<br />
You don’t even pay the apprentice while they’re at<br />
Trade School or on Leave either.<br />
If you are looking for a well-supported automotive apprentice, the <strong>MTA</strong>’s GTO can assist you.<br />
BACK TO CONTENTS<br />
Contact Jason Polgreen, GM Apprentice Employment Services,<br />
by calling<br />
8241 0522 or emailing jpolgreen@mtasant.com.au<br />
mtasant.com.au<br />
<strong>MTA</strong>135.2SEP20
36<br />
MOTOR TRADE<br />
ASSOCIATION INFO<br />
MOTOR TRADE ASSOCIATION<br />
CHAIR / Frank Agostino<br />
CEO / Paul Unerkov<br />
GM APPRENTICE CAREERS / Jason Polgreen<br />
GM AUTOMOTIVE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT /<br />
Darrell Jacobs<br />
Official publication of the<br />
Motor Trade Association<br />
L1, 81 Greenhill Rd, Wayville<br />
P (08) 8291 2000<br />
Toll Free 1800 882 046<br />
www.mtasant.com.au <br />
mta@mtasant.com.au <br />
PUBLISHING INFO<br />
BOYLEN<br />
Advertising / sales@boylen.com.au<br />
Layout / Madelaine Raschella Elliott<br />
P (08) 8233 9433<br />
boylen.com.au <br />
mtasant.com.au<br />
BACK TO CONTENTS