MTA July 2023 SA

Official Magazine of the Motor Trade Association SA/NT 

July 2023 

MTA LAUNCHES SA’S FIRST DEDICATED ELECTRIC 

VEHICLE TRAINING CENTRE 

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MOTOR TRADE MAGAZINE: SA 

3 

CONTENTS JULY 

2023 

MTA Electric Vehicle Training Centre 

 

National Electric 

Vehicle Strategy 

 

04 Chair’s Report 

06 CEO’s Message 

08 Used Car Safety Ratings Help 

Motorists Make Safer Choices 

09 Q&A with MTA Member: 

Auto One Port Augusta 

10 Preparing to Sell, Service and 

Repair the Growing Number of 

EVs on our Local Roads 

12 Industrial Manslaughter 

Amendments 

13 Supporting Members Right 

Across South Australia 

14 MTA’s 2023 Automotive Awards 

and Graduation Ceremony 

16 Congratulations to the Exceptional 

Graduates and All the Deserving 

Award Winners 

19 Step-By-Step Guide to Preparing a 

Social Media Calendar & Content 

21 Attracting Future Apprentices 

22 Have You Seen? MTA Acquires 

New Electric Vehicles 

23 Modifications In Motion: 

Thomas’ Personal Touches 

to His Mitsubishi Lancer 

24 Revving Towards a Fulfilling 

Future in the Automotive Industry 

25 Passionate Brothers Pursue 

Automotive Dreams at the MTA 

26 Automotive Stalwart Looks Back 

on His Career 

28 MTA Plays Leading Role at 

Climate Change Conference 

29 National EV Strategy an 

Opportunity Not to Be Wasted 

30 Emissions Standard 

30 Members Set Policies at Industry 

Advisory Council Meeting 

32 New Disclosure Requirements 

for Vehicle Repairs 

33 Major Donation Helping to 

End Hunger 

34 Offset Clauses in Employment 

Contracts 

35 Championing Electric Vehicle 

Training and Inspiring Future 

Automotive Enthusiasts 

36 Vehicle Salespeople 

37 Business Partners Index 

38 Member Classifieds 

38 Publishing Details 

The Federal Government’s inaugural 

National Electric Vehicle Strategy 

will help South Australians reduce 

their emissions. 

Graduation Awards 

 

The MTA’s 2023 Automotive 

Graduation and Awards Ceremony 

was a celebration of the automotive 

industry’s bright future. 


 

Q&A with MTA member, Auto One 

Port Augusta. 

mtasant.com.au

4 

CHAIR’S REPORT 

MTA CHAIR 

FRANK AGOSTINO 

Chair’s 

Report 

Following consecutive interest rate 

increases, combined with ongoing 

inflationary pressures, consumer 

sentiment is currently lower now 

than during the height of the COVID 

pandemic. Households are tightening 

their budgets and reassessing 

disposable income. As a point of 

reflection, it means our industry 

must sharpen our focus on the 

products and services we offer 

against evolving consumer demand 

and expectations. 

This reinforces how important it 

is for the Motor Trade Association 

to be available to support you. It 

remains a priority of the organisation 

to continue delivering high-quality 

services, skills and employment 

solutions to help automotive 

businesses navigate economic, 

workplace and labour headwinds. 

In both the short and long-term, skill 

shortages are persisting and often 

top of mind. No business is immune 

to the tight labour market. To assist 

overcome this challenge the MTA is 

deploying a range of strategies – a 

one size fits all approach does not 

cut it in 2023. The MTA’s Royal Park 

Training and Employment Centre 

boasts the latest technology in our 

state-of-the-art workshops where 

MTA staff regularly host schools, 

teachers and students, with the 

ultimate goal of growing our pipeline 

of skilled technicians through our 

exciting and dynamic apprenticeship 

opportunities. The MTA has also 

renewed its presence at local events, 

such as the Adelaide Motorsport 

Festival and a range of career expos, 

to highlight the diverse and rewarding 

career pathways across our industry. 

And as you know – once apprentices 

embark on their trade it is also 

important we provide the right 

support for them to complete it. 

The MTA’s Automotive Industry 

Mentoring Program is making 

great strides by boosting apprentice 

retention rates. More than 200 

apprentices will be supported to 

finish their qualifications where they 

will have access to external support 

to discuss both work and personal 

matters in depth with our careers 

mentor who can assist them. I look 

forward to sharing the first-year 

outcomes of this initiative with 

you later this year. 

On the fiscal front, it appears we 

are now well and truly in a post- 

COVID economy. Recent Federal 

and State Budgets have affirmed 

that governments are prudently 

managing their finances. To this 

end, the MTA was disappointed that 

the Federal Government’s Instant 

Asset Write Off Scheme decreased 

to $20,000 from 30 June 2023. Small 

business could previously claim for 

a piece of new equipment, including 

a vehicle or machinery, worth up to 

$150,000. In coordination with other 

state and territory counterparts, the 

Motor Trade Association of Australia 

formally requested the government 

to allow the current $150,000 Instant 

Asset Write Off to be claimable 

for vehicles ordered over the past 

12 months but not yet delivered 

due to supply chain constraints. 

The Budget measure will render 

these investments ineligible under 

the new Instant Asset Write Off 

arrangements. 

On an operational level, I have been 

impressed with CEO Darrell Jacobs, 

his executive staff and the wider MTA 

team. The MTA exists to serve its 

members. Please continue to call on 

their expertise where no job should be 

too large or too small to assist with. 

I would also like to recognise the 

significant contribution of outgoing 

Motor Trade Association of Australia 

(MTAA) Chair Neville Gibb. Having 

been an MTA Member for more 

than five decades, he has been a 

longstanding contributor to the 

automotive industry culminating 

in board appointments, including 

most recently as Chair of the MTAA. 

I would like to thank him for his 

dedication and achievements on 

behalf of our industry. On a personal 

level he has been somebody I could 

always rely on and this is why I am 

humbled to succeed him as MTAA 

Chair. Having two South Australians 

consecutively serve this national 

position further underpins our 

own efforts locally to stand up for 

members and your businesses. 

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6 

CEO’S MESSAGE 

MTA CEO 

DARRELL JACOBS 

CEO’s 

Message 

In my first report to you in the 

previous MTA Trade Journal 

Magazine, I shared my vision for 

our industry organisation to be the 

best automotive skills, careers and 

service provider. After seven months 

into my role as CEO, this pursuit is 

underway. 

I am fortunate to work with such a 

passionate and committed team, 

and I have been impressed on a 

daily basis with the expertise and 

dedication of our staff. No two days 

are the same. On one day I could 

be sharing a conversation with a 

first-year apprentice and the next on 

the paddock inspecting the latest 

in agricultural machinery. It is my 

job as CEO to ensure our outcomes 

across these range of interests are 

achieving the high standards which 

members have come to expect. 

Central to this includes being at the 

forefront of developments to the 

automotive industry. We are currently 

experiencing a revolutionary turning 

point representing some of the most 

significant innovations to mobility 

and transport seen in living memory. 

This is why I was so pleased that 

last month the MTA launched its 

Electric Vehicle Training Centre, the 

first of its kind in South Australia. 

Representatives from all sides of 

political persuasions, including 

Premier Peter Malinauskas, and 

industry leaders joined us to mark 

the occasion. 

More and more South Australians 

are choosing to purchase an Electric 

Vehicle and the new centre will 

help facilitate this ongoing and 

future demand. The state-of-theart 

workshop, and the innovative 

courses which the MTA’s offers, 

further cements our position as 

the automotive industry’s skills 

provider of choice and a leader in 

the transition to zero and low 

emission vehicles. 

This expertise is underpinned by our 

commitment to protect and grow the 

automotive retail, service and repair 

industry for South Australia. It means 

that the best interests of the sector 

are considered in all our training and 

upskilling programs. 

We know the transition to EVs will 

not happen overnight but we are 

seeing sales significantly increase 

as new models and manufacturers 

continue to enter the Australian 

market. It is the MTA’s role to 

prepare automotive businesses for 

this and ensure we have the right 

settings and frameworks in place. 

This includes providing input on 

the Federal Government’s National 

Electric Vehicle Strategy where 

we will continue to consult with 

members about proposed policies 

such as landmark fuel efficiency 

standards. 

This future of the automotive 

industry would not be possible 

though without securing the next 

generation of skilled technicians. I 

am delighted to announce that for 

the first time ever we officially have 

more than 1,000 students in training. 

Through listening to our members 

and industry in general we have 

designed a new training approach 

that suits your business and to date 

the results show that. 

At the end of May more than 400 

guests joined us to celebrate the 

2023 MTA Automotive Graduation 

and Awards. 

One of the most rewarding parts 

of my role as CEO of the MTA is 

spending time with apprentices, be 

that in the workshops at Royal Park 

or Cleve, in customer workshops 

with apprentices or just having a 

donut and ice coffee in the car park 

during the lunch break. No two 

apprenticeship pathways are the 

same and a credit to the graduates 

for finishing their qualifications. 

This made it all the more special 

to recognise the young men and 

women alongside their family, 

friends, and partners and employers. 

Looking ahead, there is still a lot 

of important work to do. We cannot 

rest on our laurels. This includes 

working through proposed 

industrial manslaughter legislation, 

the recently mandated Motor 

Vehicle Insurance and Repair 

Industry Code of Conduct, making 

it easier for automotive businesses 

to deal with abandoned vehicles 

and assisting organisations 

transition to a world of Electric 

and Hybrid vehicles. 


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8 

INDUSTRY NEWS 

Used Car Safety Ratings 

Help Motorists Make 

Safer Choices 

MTA CEO, Darrell Jacobs. 

segment and their safety rating, 

based on police-reported crash 

analysis of more than 9 million 

vehicles across Australia and 

New Zealand. 

The MTA recently helped the State 

Government to promote new safety 

ratings for almost 400 vehicles 

manufactured from the year 2000 

onwards to help motorists make 

safer car choices. 

“Road safety is not only about driver 

fatigue or speed – it’s also about 

making sure you are driving a safe 

vehicle,” MTA CEO Darrell Jacobs said. 

“This is a great initiative and is 

another step you can take in 

addition to either purchasing 

from a licensed dealer or having a 

qualified mechanical inspection. 

“It will help motorists make 

informed decisions because 

there can otherwise be pitfalls 

from purchasing used cars privately.” 

The Department for Infrastructure 

and Transport, together with 

the Monash University Accident 

Research Centre (MUARC), has 

released the latest used car safety 

information to help people choose 

the safest vehicle for their budget. 

MTA CEO Darrell Jacobs made the 

announcement with MTA Member 

Maughan Thiem alongside Minister 

for Police, Emergency Services and 

Correctional Services Joe Szakacs 

and Minister for Small and Family 

Business and Minister for Consumer 

and Business Affairs Andrea 

Michaels. 

As a guide to help used car buyers 

prioritise safety, the Used Car Safety 

Ratings lists 389 models by market 

The ratings cover: 

• Crashworthiness: the relative 

safety of vehicles in preventing 

death or serious injury to their 

own drivers in crashes 

• Aggressivity: the serious injury 

risk vehicles pose to other road 

users with whom they collide. This 

includes unprotected road users 

such as pedestrians, bicyclists 

and motorcyclists and drivers of 

other vehicles involved in a crash. 

• Total Secondary Safety Index: 

integrates into one measure 

the combined Crashworthiness 

and Aggressivity performance of 

a vehicle. 

There were 151,000 private 

purchases of used cars compared 

to 55,000 dealer used sales last year 

in SA. These privately sold used cars 

have no warranties and do not need 

to be legally roadworthy. 

In addition to practical steps like the 

Used Car Safety Ratings, the MTA will 

continue working with stakeholders 

to develop a vehicle inspections 

scheme at the change of ownership 

to improve road safety and ensure 

motorists are not being ripped off by 

dodgy private sellers. 


MTA MEMBER PROFILE 

9 

We are a third generation, family 

owned and operated business. 

Our business started as a backyard 

car repair business in the early 

1980s. We soon took on the lease 

of a Mobil Service Station at our 

current location, quickly adding a 

dedicated workshop. 

We purchased the site when Mobil 

began closing outlets during the 

fuel crisis of the late 1980s. 

Q&A with MTA Member: 


Name of Business: 

Auto One Port Augusta and 

Drop Bear 4x4 & Leisure 

Why are you a member 

of the MTA? 

To be kept in the loop of our rapidly 

changing industry. To utilise the 

expertise on offer for everything 

from payroll and employment, 

staff recruitment and training to 

legal advice and support. 

Can you tell us about the 

upgrade of your premises? 

We became an ARB stockist in mid 

2017. We had previously dabbled 

in the ever growing 4x4 market but 

when the ARB stockist position 

became available we jumped at 

the chance to be associated with 

one of the industry leaders. 

Our Auto One showroom was around 

600m2 and we were struggling for 

room even before our 4x4 expansion. 

When did this occur, and did 

it all go according to plan? 

Planning started in late 2017, 

with construction starting around 

Christmas 2021. 

MTA CEO, Darrell Jacobs, visiting 

Auto One Port Augusta . 

We unsuccessfully applied for a 

number of government grants which 

held up the process a few years. We 

also had numerous issues through 

the building approval process. Being 

situated on the highway we required 

State Government approval along 

with local council. 

We were finally ready to begin 

when the chaos of COVID turned 

the construction world upside down. 

Material shortages and cost blow 

outs continually pushed out our 

timeframe. 

How has the move made a 

difference? 

Our renovations are 99% completed. 

We now have a modern, spacious 

facility. Our showroom is now 

around 1000m2 with a dedicated 

ARB showroom. We have now dualbranded 

our facility with Drop Bear 

4x4 & Leisure being our 4x4 offering 

and Auto One Port Augusta being 

our general automotive parts and 

accessories business. 

We now have dedicated warehousing 

space and three fitting bays to bring 

all fitting onsite. 

Can you tell us the history 

of your business? 

The premises was transformed 

into an Automotive Spare Parts 

shop, initially to service our own 

workshop’s needs but quickly 

servicing other workshops in town. 

We completed our first major 

expansion in the early 1990s and 

diversified into retail parts and 

accessories sales with a dedicated 

showroom. We quickly outgrew 

our facilities and did another major 

expansion in 1998, pushing our 

showroom out to around 350m 2 . 

Numerous renovations and 

expansions continued over the next 

20 years until our current project. 

Our current project involved 

incorporating our previous four 

builds into one cohesive site, 

finally removing the last remnants 

of the original service station. 

What services/products 

do you offer? 

Sales and fitment of automotive 

parts and accessories offered under 

the Auto One and ARB banners. 

Number of staff? 

Around 13 when fully staffed, 

currently 12. 

Plans for the future? 

To consolidate both sides of our 

business and fully utilise our new 

modern facilities. 

What are your main markets? 

Retail automotive parts consumers, 

with the fast growing 4x4 segment 

in particular. 


10 

TRAINING 

Minister for Education Training and Skills Blair Boyer, 

Premier Peter Malinauskas, MTA Apprentice Charley Dix, 

MTA CEO Darrell Jacobs, MTA SA/NT and MTAA Chair 

Frank Agostino and Treasurer Stephen Mullighan. 

Preparing to Sell, Service and Repair the Growing 

Number of EVs on our Local Roads 

‘Computers on Wheels’ – Motor Trade Association apprentices and the automotive 

industry to receive the latest training and upskilling after major launch of new facility. 

In June the MTA launched South 

Australia’s first dedicated Electric 

Vehicle Training Centre, marking a 

new and significant chapter for the 

industry association. 

Representatives from all sides of 

politics including Premier Peter 

Malinauskas and Leader of the 

Opposition David Speirs, automotive 

insiders, government officials and 

special guests joined the MTA for 

the unveiling of the state-of-the-art 

workshop. 

“More and more South Australians 

are choosing to purchase an EV and 

this new centre will help facilitate this 

ongoing and future demand,” MTA 

CEO Darrell Jacobs said. “Students 

will be undertaking their training 

on the latest vehicles with the 

latest tools, technology and safety 

requirements.” 

“The centre will also allow the MTA 

to upskill existing technicians who 

are beginning to see EVs in their 

workshops and businesses for the 

first time.” 

According to the latest figures, 5 per 

cent of all new cars this year in South 

Australia have been electric vehicles. 

This has increased from just 0.45 per 

cent in 2021. 

More than 140 guests joined the 

MTA for the launch where a range of 

impressive battery electric and hybrid 

cars, trucks and even a bus were 

on display. It also included electric 

construction equipment and displays 

from local mining company Normet. 

Darrell said the first of its kind 

training centre in South Australia 

would also be used to combat 

persistent automotive skills 

shortages. 

“The automotive industry has an 

opportunity to attract a whole new 

range of young people to work on 

really exciting vehicles with cutting 

edge technology and advanced 

electronics,” he explained. 

“As part of the MTA’s integrated 

model of training, new apprentices 


TRAINING 

11 

MTA Chair Frank Agostino, myenergi Asia Pacific 

Managing Director Russell Shepherd and Premier 

Malinauskas. 

MTA Electric Vehicle Training Centre. 

now receive accredited EV training.” 

The Electric Vehicle Training Centre 

has a range of the latest vehicles 

including the Hyundai Ionic 6, Kia 

Nero and BYD Atto 3, Genesis GV 60, 

insulated workshop tools, hoists and 

safety equipment. The MTA has also 

partnered with myenergi for five EV 

chargers which will allow the training 

provider to use its renewable energy, 

charge EVs outside of peak times 

and reduce energy bills. 

Automotive is experiencing a 

revolutionary turning point and the 

MTA stands at the forefront of this 

to prepare our industry and the wider 

public for the rise of zero and low 

emission vehicles. 

Premier Malinauskas echoed the 

MTA’s remarks. “Automotive is part 

of our cultural and economic identity 

and it’s important we invest in this,” 

the Premier said during his speech. 

“Decarbonisation is now happening 

and it is real. The MTA has always 

been at the forefront of taking up 

new technologies and is helping lead 

the way.” 

The MTA currently trains more 

than 1,000 automotive apprentices 

through its Registered Training 

Organisation, the most in its 

history. All of its training is 

designed to match the needs of 

industry and member businesses. 

Apprenticeships are available now. 

The MTA believes 

South Australia can 

play its part supporting 

the decarbonisation 

of transport, whether 

through: 

• Electric vehicles 

• Plug in hybrids 

• Traditional hybrids 

• Or in the future - hydrogen 

powered vehicles and 

biofuel powered vehicles 


12 

INDUSTRY NEWS 

Industrial 

Manslaughter 

Amendments 

In the February 2023 edition of Motor Trade Magazine, we discussed the 

Work Health and Safety (Industrial Manslaughter) Bill which had been released 

by the South Australian Government for comment in November 2022. Since 

that time, the Government has considered comments provided by various 

organisations, including the MTA, and released a further draft Bill in April 

2023. The main changes to the Bill are outlined below: 

ORIGINAL BILL (NOV 2022) AMENDED BILL (APRIL 2023) 

Gross Negligence 

For the purposes of this section, a person is grossly 

negligent as to the risk to an individual of death if the 

person’s conduct involves — 

(a) such a great falling short of the standard of 

care that a reasonable person would exercise in the 

circumstances; and 

(b) such a high risk of causing the death of an individual, 

that the conduct merits criminal punishment for the 

offence. 

Recklessness 

No definition of recklessness 

Category 1 Offence 

A person commits a Category 1 offence if — 

(a) the person has a health and safety duty; and 

(b) the person, without reasonable excuse, engages in 

conduct that exposes an individual to whom that duty 

is owed to a risk of death or serious injury or illness; 

and 

(c) the person is reckless as to the risk to an individual 

of death or serious injury or illness. 

Alternative Verdicts 

If at the trial of a person for an offence against this 

section the trier of fact is not satisfied that the accused 

is guilty of the offence charged but is satisfied that the 

accused is guilty of a Category 1 offence, a Category 

2 offence or a Category 3 offence, the trier of fact may 

bring a verdict that the accused is guilty of that offence. 

Maximum Penalties 

Individual – 20 years imprisonment 

Body Corporate - $15 million 

A person engages in conduct with gross negligence 

if the conduct involves – 

(a) such a great falling short of the standard of 

care that a reasonable person would exercise in the 

circumstances; and 

(b) such a high risk of causing the death or serious 

injury or illness of an individual, that the conduct 

merits criminal punishment for the offence. 

A person is reckless as to the risk to an individual of 

death or serious injury or illness if – 

(a) the person is aware of a substantial risk that death 

or serious injury or illness will happen; and 

(b) having regard to the circumstances known to the 

person, it is unjustifiable to take the risk. 

A person commits a Category 1 offence if — 

(a) the person has a health and safety duty; and 

(b) the person, without reasonable excuse, engages in 

conduct that exposes an individual to whom that duty 

is owed to a risk of death or serious injury or illness; 

and 

(c) the person – 

(i) engages in the conduct with gross negligence; or 

(ii) is reckless as to the risk to an individual of death or 

serious injury or illness. 

If at the trial of a person for an offence against this 

section the trier of fact is not satisfied that the accused 

is guilty of the offence charged but is satisfied that the 

accused is guilty of a Category 1 offence, a Category 

2 offence or a Category 3 offence, the trier of fact may 

bring a verdict that the accused is guilty of that offence 

if the proceedings for the offence charged commenced 

within the applicable limitation period for the lesser 

offence. 

Individual – 20 years imprisonment 

Body Corporate - $18 million 


INDUSTRY NEWS 

13 

The MTA remains concerned with a number of measures 

within this Amended Bill. 

We have consistently maintained that any offence of 

industrial manslaughter should be clearly above and 

beyond the offences that are currently available in 

the Work Health and Safety Act 2012. In that regard, 

the view of MTA is that the offence of industrial 

manslaughter should be restricted to the higher 

standard, being ‘recklessness’. 

Instead, the Amended Bill allows an offence of industrial 

manslaughter to be proven through either ‘recklessness’ 

or ‘gross negligence’. Further, the Amended Bill, rather 

than focusing on conduct involving a high risk of causing 

death, now includes the possibility of an employer of 

being charged for conduct involving a high risk of serious 

injury or illness. 

The proposed maximum penalties have been increased 

in the Amended Bill. Whilst at some point in the future, 

all States and Territories in Australian may align their 

penalty structure to create uniformity in WHS laws, 

if South Australia elects to increase our penalties in 

isolation, we will have the second highest penalty in 

Australia, after Victoria. 

The MTA will continue to monitor the progression of this 

legislation and relay the concerns of our members to 

the Government. As always, we remind our members to 

ensure their compliance with their WHS obligations and 

continue to identify any hazards in their workplace, and 

rectify any deficiencies urgently. 

If you require any assistance with work health and safety, 

or wish to attend any training sessions, please contact 

the MTA Workplace Relations Team on (08) 8291 2000 

or email wr@mtasant.com.au . 

With Jodi Ryan at the MTA’s Cleve 

Automotive Skills Centre. 

Visiting 

Ramsey 

Bros 

in Cleve. 

Supporting 

Members Right 

Across South 

Australia 

Regional South Australia is a 

powerhouse of our economy and 

the MTA is committed to providing 

the highest level of support to 

businesses right across the state. 

MTA CEO Darrell Jacobs and General 

Manager of Apprenticeships Jodi 

Ryan recently visited local Eyre 

Peninsula businesses, the District 

Council of Cleve and the MTA’s Cleve 

Automotive Skills Centre. During the 

visit they met with Members Pringles 

Crouch and Ramsey Bros which 

hosted the MTA and highlighted their 

impressive operations. 

With a proportion of MTA Members 

based in rural and regional SA, it 

Inspecting the 

impressive facilities 

at Pringles Crouch . 

is important that every business 

receives the support it deserves, 

regardless of its location. 

On the training side, the MTA is 

hoping to grow the number of Eyre 

Peninsula apprentices as a result 

of its recent upgrades to the Cleve 

Automotive Skills Centre. The 

association is always looking at 

ways to deliver more courses and 

ultimately help business fill labour 

shortages. 


14 

GRADUATION 

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE 

MTA's 2023 Automotive Awards 

and Graduation Ceremony 

The MTA’s 2023 Automotive 


was a celebration of the automotive 

industry's bright future, with a 

remarkable turnout of more than 

400 attendees, marking the largest 

gathering in its history. 

Among the evening's highlights was 

the well-deserved recognition of 

Samuel White as the recipient of the 

prestigious 2023 Apprentice of the 

Year award, marking an outstanding 

achievement in his career to date. 

“One of the most rewarding parts 

of my role at the MTA is spending 

time with apprentices and talking 

about what’s important to them,” 

CEO Darrell Jacobs said. 

“We are continually improving 

and updating our courses to best 

suit the needs of industry and the 

apprentices they employ. 

“Apprentices have the benefit of 

earning whilst they are learning and 

receive ongoing support to fuel their 

professional growth, including across 

a range of cutting-edge technology.” 

South Australian Minister for 

Education, Training and Skills Blair 

Boyer was on deck at the Ceremony 

to also help make a major milestone 

announcement. 

The MTA revealed that for the first 

time ever it now has more than 

1,000 apprentices in training. 

Upon his commencement as CEO 

in January 2023, Darrell Jacobs 

and MTA SA/NT General Manager 

of Apprenticeships Jodi Ryan have 

rolled out a new integrated model 

of training. 

The new initiative combines 

focused and intensive classroom 

learning with real world workshop 

assessment in a business, 

connecting apprentices with the 

latest technology and techniques 

used by industry. 

It has the added benefit of assisting 

South Australian businesses whilst 

they are dealing with acute labour 

shortages by giving back more 

apprentice time and increasing 

productivity. 

New apprentices also now 

receive accredited electric vehicle 

qualifications to prepare for the 

EV transition the automotive 

industry faces. 

“With an increase of more than 

120 apprentices in just its first four 

months, the MTA’s new integrated 


GRADUATION 

15 

Minister Blair Boyer with a graduating 

apprentice and their son. 

Participants take centre stage at the MTA’s 2023 

Automotive Awards and Graduation Ceremony. 

“Apprentices have the benefit of 

earning whilst they are learning and 

receive ongoing support to fuel their 

professional growth...” 

training model has proved to be a 

game changer,” Darrell Jacobs said. 

The automotive industry's future 

holds great promise, evident from 

the wide range of MTA award 

categories and the accomplished 

graduates that were celebrated. 

The evening concluded with a 

profound sense of pride and 

accomplishment as graduates, 

award winners, their families, 

loved ones, and employers gathered 

together to commemorate their 

achievements. 

The MTA Automotive Graduation 

and Awards 2023 will undoubtedly be 

remembered as a pivotal moment in 

the lives of these talented individuals 

as they embark on promising careers 

in the automotive industry. 

Minister Boyer helped present 

the graduating parchments and 

reinforced the importance of 

vocational learning. 

“Our young people need to know 

there are a range of options 

available to them after school, not 

just university as a pathway,” the 

Minister said during his remarks. 

The success of the 2023 Automotive 


would not have been possible without 

the generous support of our sponsors. 

The MTA would like to express its 

deepest appreciation to Spirit 

Super, Mas National, Capricorn 

Society, RAA, MEGT Australia, 

myenergi APAC, ADAS Solutions 

Australia, Axalta - Australia and New 

Zealand, Department for Education, 

South Australia, Rayton Electrical, 

Tatiara Truck & Trailers, Cleve 

Hotel Motel, PPG, and St Patrick's 

Technical College. 


16 

GRADUATION 

2023 MTA Apprentice of the Year, Samuel White. 

Congratulations to the Exceptional Graduates 

and all the Deserving Award Winners 

Apprentice of the Year Award 

Sponsored by Spirit Super 

Samuel White, hosted at Detrac Diesel 

Royal Park Training Centre Student of the Year Award 

Sponsored by Capricorn Society 

Steven Iosefellis, employed at JVS Bodyworks 

Bordertown Training Centre Student of the Year Award 

Sponsored by Tatiara Truck & Trailers 

Tom Fulcher, employed at Brandt Tractor 

Cleve Training Centre Student of the Year Award 

Sponsored by Cleve Hotel Motel 

Jake Cunningham, employed at Pringles Crouch Ag Plus 

Most Outstanding First Year Apprentice Award 

Sponsored by Axalta Coating Systems (Australia) 

Jaxon Webb, hosted at Fulton Hogan 

Most Outstanding Second Year Apprentice Award 

Sponsored by RAA Group 

Amelia Larsen, employed at Evolution Crash Repairs 

Most Outstanding Third Year Apprentice Award 

Sponsored by MAS National 

Lewis Sinnott, employed at Solid Mechanical and 

Engineering 

Bob Goldsworthy Award 

Sponsored by PPG Industries 

James Tucker, employed at JVS Bodyworks 


GRADUATION 

17 

MTA CEO, Darrell Jacobs. 

Automotive Awards and Graduation 

Ceremony guests. 

School-based Apprentice of the Year Award 

Sponsored by St Patrick’s Technical College 

Jakob Lawrance, hosted at Hull Mechanical 

VET Student of the Year 

Sponsored by MEGT (Australia) 

Alexander Brice, from Findon High School 

VET Coordinator of the Year Award 

Sponsored by Government of South Australia, 

Department for Education 

Matthew McDonald, VET Coordinator at Waikerie High 

School 

Commitment to Safety Award 

Sponsored by ADAS Solutions 

Mark Harding, employed at Tatiara Truck & Trailers 

Innovative Excellence Award 

Sponsored by Myenergi 

Joshua Will, employed at Tatiara Truck & Trailers 

MTA SA/NT Trainer of the Year Award 

Sponsored by Rayton Electrical 

Jeff Evers, MTA SA/NT Regional Trainer and Assessor 

MTA SA/NT Emerging Trainer of the Year Award 

Sponsored by Motor Trade Association of SA/NT 

Tynam Dean, MTA SA/NT Light Vehicle Trainer & 

Assessor 

Apprentice Employer of the Year Award 

Sponsored by Motor Trade Association of SA/NT 

North East Isuzu 


Have your say! 

Come and network with other 

like-minded members to 

discuss what matters to you 

Towing Services (AGM) 

18 th 

JUL 

Divisional Meetings 

Automotive Dismantlers Association (AGM) 

Farm & Industrial Machinery Dealers Association 

(AGM) 

Automotive Dealers Association (AGM) 

Licensed Vehicle Dealers (AGM) 

General (AGM) 

Commercial Vehicle Industry Association (AGM) 

10 th 

AUG 

25 th 

AUG 

5 th 

SEP 

14 th 

SEP 

27 th 

SEP 

11 th 

OCT 

SCAN TO 

BROWSE & BOOK 

Scan the QR code above or 

visit https://qrco.de/be6aq7 

Northern Territory 

11 th 

JUL 

South Coast 

25 th 

JUL 

Zone Meetings 

Riverland 

Upper North 

Far North 

Eyre Peninsula 

Hills & Murraylands 

17 th 

AUG 

12 th 

SEP 

19 th 

SEP 

21 st 

SEP 

18 th 

OCT 

SCAN TO 

BROWSE & BOOK 

Scan the QR code above or 

visit https://qrco.de/be6avR 

Having trouble registering? Click here 

Join the MTA today to unlock access to services, call 8291 2000 

Are you staying up-to-date? 

Make sure you’re following us on social media so you 

don’t miss out on social-only content! 

Motor Trade Association of SA/NT 

MTA Apprenticeships 

MTA237.1JUN23

MEMBER ADVICE 

Step-By-Step Guide to 

Preparing a Social Media 

Calendar and Content 

A social media calendar is a simple 

plan that outlines your social media 

content, including: 

• what to post 

• when to post 

• where to post. 

When you combine it with a 

scheduling tool, you can prepare 

your content in advance and then 

use automation to “go live” at the 

desired time. The following steps 

can be adapted to suit your needs. 

Identifying Your Social Media Goals 

Writing down your social media goals 

gives you a focus for your content. 

For instance: 

1. If your aim is to increase brand 

awareness, you should focus 

on creating content that 

showcases your brand's 

personality and values 

2. Want to generate leads? 

You should create content 

that educates your audience 

about your products or services. 

Calls to action are critical. 

3. If you want to drive website 

traffic, you should create 

content that includes links 

to your website. 

Choosing the Right Social 

Media Platforms 

Choose one or a handful social 

media platforms that suit your 

business goals, and is aligned with 

your target audience. Don’t try and 

do too much; setting unreasonable 

targets often leads to abandonment 

of the plan. 

Conducting a Social Media Audit 

Before you start creating your 

social media calendar, it's 

important to conduct an audit. 

Review your existing social media 

presence to determine what's 

working, what's not working, and 

what can be improved. 

Assess the following: 

19 

• Your social media profiles: Are 

they complete and up-to-date? 

• Your content strategy: Has your 

previous content been relevant, 

engaging, and aligned with your 

social media goals? 

• Your competitors: What are 

your competitors doing on 

social media? What can you 

learn from their activity? 

The social media audit will help 

you identify areas that need 

improvement and provide insights 

for creating a calendar that adds 

value to your business. 

Frequency 

Choosing a content frequency is 

like Goldilocks – too much bland 

information will turn people away 

but too little is unlikely to give you 

the traction you require. 

If you haven’t been posting regularly, 

then start with lowered targets. It’s 

important to achieve your activity 

goals and generate a culture of 

success around this project. 

Scheduling Your Posts 

You can set up your posts in advance 

and select a date and time for them 

to go live. It saves you time because 

you are more efficient when you do 

multiple posts. It also ensures you 

post even if other business needs 

are more urgent at the moment you 

planned to go live. A few tips: 

• Engagement: Post when your 

followers are most active on 

social media. 

• Time zones: If your target 

audience is spread across 

different time zones, you should 

schedule your posts accordingly. 

Watch the Data 

Don’t expect to be an overnight 

success. It normally takes time 

to build a following. 

Therefore, track your social media 

metrics and adjust your content 

plan to improve your performance. 


1300 627 628 

masnational.com.au 

Find us on 

Your workforce 

development 

and employment 

specialists 

“ 

A national approach, 

delivered locally 

Whether you’re a job seeker 

needing support to secure an 

Apprenticeship, a small business 

owner looking to grow your network, 

an employer or individual that 

would benefit from mentoring, or a 

community member that needs a 

helping hand, Mas has you covered.

CAREERS IN AUTO 

Attracting 

Future 

Apprentices 

The MTA is committed to opening 

doors to the automotive industry and 

the peak body regularly hosts guests to 

demonstrate the wide range of career 

opportunities across automotive. 

The MTA’s Royal Park Training and 

Employment Centre boasts the latest 

technology in a modern workshop, with 

an interactive and hands-on experience no 

ordinary classroom could ever replicate. 

50 Vocational Education Training (VET) 

coordinators from Catholic Education 

South Australia and the Association of 

Independent Schools of South Australia 

recently visited the Centre. 

The coordinators had the chance to see 

first-hand the facilities that the MTA has 

to offer, including its state-of-the-art 

training workshops. Charley, an MTA 

first-year school-based apprentice, shared 

her positive apprentice experience to the 

excited stakeholders. 

More than 25 prospective apprentices 

and their families also recently joined the 

MTA to learn about the diverse range of 

automotive jobs at the Careers 

in Auto Open Night. 

It provided students with the chance to 

explore career pathways and learn more 

about positions which might not typically 

feature on their school curriculums. 

In particular, the guests were impressed 

to learn about the organisation’s direct 

employment pathways which other 

training providers cannot facilitate. 

The MTA has apprenticeships available 

in the industry for anybody with a desire 

and willingness to learn. 

Today’s apprenticeships are at 

the cutting edge of an innovative career, 

where pioneering technologies are 

developing new opportunities, including 

for electric vehicles, but also right across 

the spectrum of trades and qualifications 

like never before. 

The MTA’s Mario Calleja speaking to a prospective apprentice at the Careers in 

Auto Open Night. 

Guests experiencing the MTA’s facilities first-hand. 

First-year school-based apprentice Charley and the MTA’s Franco Albuino at the 

VET Coordinator Day. 

21 


22 

ELECTRIC VEHICLES 

Have You Seen? 

MTA Acquires 

New Electric 

Vehicles 

The MTA has purchased two new 

BYD Atto 3s to train apprentices on 

the latest electric car technology 

and help members prepare for the 

transition to zero and low emission 

vehicles. 

The 2023 Drive Car of the Year has 

a Permanent Magnet Synchronous 

Motor, a 60.5kWh lithium-ion battery 

and comes with bidirectional 

charging capabilities. 

The best interests of the automotive 

industry are considered in all of 

the MTA’s training and upskilling 

programs, and the BYD Atto 3s will 

help meet these goals. 

As part of this, the industry 

organisation is harnessing renewable 

energy through its 100-Kilowatt 

Solar Systems to charge outside of 

peak times, reduce energy bills and 

contribute to an even greener South 

Australia. 

MTA CEO Darrell with the new BYD Atto 3. 


APPRENTICE MODS 

23 

Modifications in Motion: 

Thomas' Personal Touches 

to His Mitsubishi Lancer 

Thomas, a first-year apprentice 

currently pursuing a Certificate III in 

Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, 

has been working on his own project 

car for over a year. His love for cars 

dates back to his childhood, where 

he developed an interest in cars by 

playing Gran Turismo and F1 on his 

Xbox. 

When Thomas got his first car 

(a blue Mitsubishi Lancer), he was 

determined to make it stand out by 

customising it to his liking. 

Since then, he has been adding his 

own personal touches to his car, 

including modifying the air intake, 

adding a valve cover breather, and 

installing a new shifter assembly. 

He's also painted various parts of 

the interior, including the rocker 

cover, trim pieces and engine bay. 

Thomas even made his own custom 

door cards, replaced the speakers 

in the back with aftermarket ones 

and added a subwoofer under his 

racer seat. 

“I’m always working on something,” 

he said. “A recent project of mine 

has involved adding a Varis widebody 

kit to my car.” 

Thomas does all this work in his 

garage. “One of my mates who works 

at Volkswagen has helped a lot with 

my project car. If I have any questions, 

he’s always willing to assist.” 

The first-year apprentice was also 

pleasantly surprised to learn that 

one of the mechanics at his host 

employer, Mazda Edwardstown, 

lives across the street from him. 

“I didn’t know he worked at Mazda 

Edwardstown until I started there 

too! I also knock on his door if I 

need a hand with anything.” 

Thomas is determined to make 

his car truly unique and has no 

intention of ever selling it. He has 

already installed 25 per cent of the 

modifications he has planned and 

is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 

Varis front fenders so that he can 

paint the front bar and add them 

to the vehicle. Although the Varis 

wide body kit is not designed for 

his car model, he plans to custom 

fabricate it onto his car and get 

fiberglass moulded onto it. 

“It feels like Christmas when 

something new arrives in the 

mail for my car.” 

Thomas has a long list of 

modifications planned for his 

Mitsubishi Lancer, including Varis 

front fenders, a full Varis wide body 

kit, LED side indicators, and fibre 

side mirrors. Even though his car 

already came equipped with features 

like roof racks and an exhaust, he 

plans to replace the exhaust and 

make other changes to further 

personalise his car. 

Thomas finds the learning process 

to be the most rewarding aspect 

of his training at the MTA. He 

is passionate about acquiring 

knowledge related to his interests, 

which he can apply not only to his 

job and personal car projects but 

also to everyday life, including 

working on his parents' cars. In 

his opinion, learning a trade offers 

benefits beyond just a career path. 

We're amazed at Thomas’s 

dedication and passion for his car. 

It's clear that he loves what he does 

and enjoys learning new things 

about vehicles. His enthusiasm for 

his project car is infectious, and we 

can't wait to see what he does next. 


24 

APPRENTICE PROFILE 

Revving 

Towards a 

Fulfilling 

Future in the 

Automotive 

Industry 

Eden, an enthusiastic first-year 

apprentice, is currently immersed 

in the journey of pursuing a 

Certificate III in Light Vehicle 

Mechanical Technology. Her 

passion for the field shines through 

as she wholeheartedly embraces 

the learning experience and finds 

immense satisfaction in her 

chosen path. 

“Ever since I was a kid, I've had a 

deep passion for cars that's hard 

to put into words. They've always 

excited me. Growing up, I never 

actually sat down and thought 

hey, you can do that as a career!” 

"When I landed my apprenticeship 

at the MTA, it was euphoric and 

emotional because I finally found 

what I want to do with the rest of 

my life. I didn’t like school, but my 

apprenticeship brings me genuine 

joy which is a fantastic feeling. 

I feel happy at the MTA and I’m 

keen to learn." 

"Right now, I own my own vehicle 

detailing business. However, I have 

a vision of one day opening my 

very own garage. That's where I 

see myself heading in the future." 

After discovering the MTA through 

Seek, Eden conducted her own 

research and spoke about it in 

detail with her dad. He expressed 

his enthusiasm and highlighted 

the benefits and security provided 

by the MTA. 

“The MTA acts as a safety net, 

ensuring that I won't be left stranded 

if something goes wrong. You have 

a group of people to support you 

throughout the entire process so you 

always have help when you need it. 

“I’m training and learning at the same 

time. It was honestly the best option 

and one of the most amazing things 

I’ve seen. I think it’s how education 

should be.” 

Driven by a thirst for learning and 

personal growth, Eden aspires to 

become an exceptional mechanic 

and light vehicle technician. She 

envisions herself as the best version 

of herself within the workplace, 

constantly striving for excellence 

and pushing the boundaries of her 

capabilities. 

In addition to her personal 

accomplishments, Eden recognises 

the significance of her industry's 

impact on society. With her expertise, 

she not only has the capacity to 

improve and repair vehicles but 

also to provide valuable assistance 

to others. 


APPRENTICE PROFILE 

25 

Passionate 

Brothers 

Pursue 

Automotive 

Dreams at 

the MTA 

Cooper and Bailey, twin brothers 

with a lifelong passion for cars, have 

embarked on their journey as firstyear 

light vehicle apprentices at the 

MTA. From a young age, they found 

joy in tinkering with cars at home and 

were driven to translate their love for 

cars into a rewarding profession. 

Cooper expressed, “Our dad 

introduced us to cars from the start, 

so they have been a part of our lives 

for as long as we can remember.” 

The brothers came across the MTA 

while exploring job opportunities on 

the employment search platform, 

Seek, where they immediately 

recognised the perfect chance to 

pursue their aspirations of becoming 

apprentices. 

Cooper and Bailey swiftly enrolled 

and succeeded in their interviews. 

Bailey emphasised the invaluable 

support provided by the MTA through 

its training initiatives. 

“The MTA offers a comprehensive 

training program that provides 

apprentices with a well-rounded 

experience in different aspects of 

light vehicles, which is exactly what 

we were looking for,” he explained. 

The duo aspire to become skilled 

and knowledgeable mechanics. 

Bailey expressed the desire to gain 

experience in multiple areas of light 

vehicles, highlighting the importance 

of diverse knowledge. Cooper echoed 

the sentiment, looking forward to the 

opportunity to continuously learn and 

deepen their understanding as they 

advance in their career. 

Cooper and Bailey expressed 

their enthusiasm for the emerging 

technologies in the automotive 

industry. They are particularly 

excited about the advancements in 

electric and hydrogen-powered cars, 

and they look forward to staying upto-date 

with the latest developments 

in these areas. 

Training at the MTA has proven to 

be a thrilling experience for both 

Cooper and Bailey, as it grants them 

the opportunity to work on a range of 

different vehicles and learn 

from experienced professionals. 

“Training at the MTA is great,” said 

Cooper. “The variety of tasks keeps 

things engaging, and you never 

find yourself stuck doing the same 

thing.” Bailey chimed in in agreeing, 

“absolutely, there’s always something 

new and exciting to tackle. The 

variety in our apprenticeships makes 

the learning process exciting.” 

The MTA’s apprenticeship program 

offers a fantastic opportunity for 

those looking to enter the automotive 

industry. With a comprehensive 

training schedule and experienced 

professionals to guide them, Cooper 

and Bailey are well on their way to 

achieving their dream of becoming 

qualified mechanics. 

Their enthusiasm for the industry’s 

future is evident, as they eagerly 

seek knowledge about the cuttingedge 

technologies that are reshaping 

the automotive landscape. 


26 

Neville with brothers 

Ian and Daryl. 

Automotive Stalwart 

Looks Back on His Career 

For Neville Gibb, the automotive 

industry was something he was born 

into. Embracing it with open arms, 

the Jamestown born and bred local 

ultimately helped shape its future 

direction at the national level. 

His meteoric rise yet politely spoken 

nature reflect the MTA Life Member’s 

career which has spanned more than 

five decades and seen him appointed 

to some of the industry’s highest 

positions. This was all achieved 

with one eye firmly remaining on his 

local community where his passion 

for automotive and his hobbies all 

started and still continues to do this. 

“It was just a given that if you 

were in the automotive industry 

you joined the South Australian 

Automobile Chamber of Commerce 

(the precursor to the Motor Trade 

Association)” Neville explains. 

“I joined my father’s business in 

1977 and started attending the 

Upper North MTA zone meetings 

in the early 1980’s.” 

From 1982 onwards Neville became 

a Dealer Principal and helped oversee 

its growth in a country town. After 

attending more and more zone 

meetings, he decided to put his 

hand up for the MTA Board and 

was elected in 1997. 

From there the Jamestown local 

was elected MTA Vice President in 

2008 before serving as President 

from 2011 to 2014 and Past 

President from 2014 through to 

2020. He was concurrently a Motor 

Trades of Australia (MTAA) Board 

Director from 2010 and was the 

national peak body’s Chairman 

from 2013 to 2023. 

In the latter role, Neville brought 

industry leaders, government and 

decision makers together in Canberra 

for the inaugural MTAA Automotive 

Summit in 2015. With the impending 

demise of vehicle manufacturing in 

Australia, he assured officials that 

automotive would continue to be a 

robust and viable industry. 

“Contrary to popular belief the 

Australia automotive industry does 

not end with the final closure of 

vehicle manufacturing,” he remarked 

during his Summit opening address. 

“More than 340,000 Australians will 

remain employed in businesses 

keeping a fleet of more than 20 

million vehicles moving, contributing 

more than $38 billion to the national 

economy.” 

Throughout the Summit 

business owners 

and MTA 

members from 

across Australia 

along with 

Federal politicians 

discussed and 

planned the 

future needs 

of the industry 

which continue 

to be felt today. 

State Opposition 

Leader, Isobel 

Redmond, with 

Neville. 

MTA MEMBER PROFILE 

Looking back, his highlights locally 

include the MTA receiving a South 

Australian Training Award, hosting 

the 2012 President’s Luncheon, the 

development of the new workshop at 

the MTA’s Training and Employment 

Centre, purchasing the Cleve Training 

Centre, presenting Life Memberships 

to long-term board members Peter 

Roberts and Frank Agostino and the 

integration of the Northern Territory 

into the MTA. 

After a long and successful career, 

his attention is never far away from 

the trends and requirements of 

tomorrow. 

“Much of the MTA’s work is not 

visible to members. This is the 

lobbying of both Government, 

Opposition and cross benches on 

legislation that has impacts on their 

business members,” Neville said. 

“The auto industry has been forced 

into rapid change due to worldwide 

pressure for zero and low emission 

vehicles. Electric vehicles might not 

necessarily be the long-term solution 

to this, with alternative fuels only still 

to come especial in the heavy vehicle 

sector. The MTA needs to have a 

strong presence advocating a true 

national unified stance on behalf of 

the industry,” he concluded. 

Neville’s extraordinary leadership, 

counsel and guidance as well as his 

business acumen and determined 

manner have greatly assisted the 

state and national organisations. On 

behalf of the MTA, congratulations 

on a successful career and thank 

you for your dedication in helping 

strengthen our industry. 


Australian owned and operated, ADAS Solutions Australia is now 

servicing SA, QLD, NSW & VIC offering almost 100% vehicle 

coverage in both the light vehicle sector & heavy vehicle sector. 

Following the grand opening of the newest repair facility in 

Thebarton South Australia in January 2023, ADAS Solutions 

Australia are thrilled to be partnering with MTA SA to offer ADAS 

Awareness & Technician training. 

Our systems enable us to calibrate Camera, RADAR, LIDAR, 

multifunction LED Matrix and Laser Spot Headlights as well as 

coding and programming of most new components. 

In addition to equipment and software used within the business, 

ADAS Solutions Australia also uses an extensive range of 

OE software from manufacturers such as Toyota, Mercedes Benz, 

VAG, Mitsubishi and Ford (to name only a few) alongside 

recognised brands such as Autel, Hella, TEXA and MAHA. 

1. Pre Scan 

All vehicles undergo a complete diagnostic scan prior 

to any calibrations. This scan identifies any existing or 

nonrelated fault codes 

2. Alignment 

If required, the vehicle then has a full 4-wheel 

alignment check. The equipment used can also identify 

any chassis misalignment. 

3. Calibrate 

Once satisfied the vehicle is aligned, the calibration 

process can be undertaken. Multiple radars, lidars and 

cameras may require calibration. 

4. Post Scan 

An initial post calibration scan is conducted. 

5. Road Test 

The vehicle is road tested to check for nonconformity 

and to ensure ADAS systems are operational. 

6. Final Scan 

Upon return to site the vehicle then has a final 

diagnostic check to ensure no fault codes have 

activated during road test. 

7. Report 

A comprehensive report is supplied for each vehicle 

along with a certificate of calibration. 

ADAS Solutions Australia is the only all-encompassing ADAS 

Solution supporting the Australian Automotive industry at all 

levels. Offering service such as;. 

ADAS diagnostics – using a multitude of aftermarket and OE 

software, we can diagnose all aspects of ADAS across all vehicle 

brands, however, our diagnostic services don’t stop there, we 

also diagnose and repair other systems such as SRS, ABS and 

Body Electrics. 

ADAS repairs – we offer a full repair service including physical 

diagnosis and repair/replacement of ADAS components – radar, 

LiDAR, camera etc 

ADAS Calibration – where possible, we can calibrate at your 

location or at one of our locations. 

ADAS Training – ADAS Solutions is the only provider of ADAS 

training in Australia and offers a suite of training courses either 

independently or in collaboration with a number of MTA’s 

around Australia. 

ADAS equipment consultation and supply – in order to avoid 

costly buying mistakes, ADAS Solutions uses a consultative 

approach to equipment supply. Only this way can you be sure 

that you’re getting the right equipment for your needs to cover 

the vehicles you require. 

ADAS technical support – our dedicated team of technical 

specialists is always on hand to offer the legendary technical 

support that we’re famous for. 

Remote services – ADAS Solutions offers remote diagnosis and, 

where possible, remote calibration, coding and programming of 

numerous systems. 

EV Solutions – did you know that we also offer safe disconnect, 

isolation and reconnect of HV systems in Hybrid and EV’s? 

Our technical team are fully qualified and skilled in all aspects of 

high voltage vehicles and can even remove and refit HV batteries 

pre and post collision repair. 

For all ADAS enquiries, please contact our friendly team at Thebarton on 

08 8260 1985 

servicesa@adassolutions.com.au 

44 George Street, Thebarton SA 5032

28 

MTA’s Darrell Jacobs, Premier Climate Council Member 

Daniel Conley and RAA’s Nick Reade. 

MTA General 

Manager of Media, 

Marketing and Policy 

Kaes Cillessen with 

CEO Darrell Jacobs. 

MTA Plays Leading Role at 

Climate Change Conference 

In April the South Australian 

Government held its inaugural SA 

Industry Climate Change Conference 

and the MTA contributed to the event 

by providing its expert insights as 

Australia makes strides to reduce its 

emissions. 

Automotive is amidst a revolutionary 

turning point representing some of 

the most significant innovations to 

mobility and transport seen in living 

memory. 

CEO Darrell Jacobs presented the 

MTA’s vision as South Australia 

decarbonises its vehicle fleet and 

becomes more energy efficient. He 

was joined by RAA CEO Nick Reade 

for a panel titled ‘The Future of 

Transport’ at the Adelaide Convention 

Centre. 

The event was held a number of 

days after the Federal Government 

released its anticipated National 

Electric Vehicle Strategy. The 

central pillar of the strategy is a 

fuel efficiency standard. 

“Without a fuel efficiency standard 

manufacturers have been prioritising 

other markets which penalise car 

brands for not meeting emissions 

benchmarks,” Darrell commented 

at the conference. 

“We are also pleased that the 

government has listened to our 

calls and not banned the sale of 

petrol and diesel vehicles. 

“There is a recognition – whether it’s 

hydrogen, plug-in hybrid and hybrid or 

even more efficient fuels – everything 

has a role to play in the transition.” 

Darrell also provided context about 

the timeline of electric vehicle uptake. 

“I’ve got three numbers I want to 

share with you,” he told the audience. 

“There are 20 million cars on the 

road today, there are one million new 

cars sold every year in Australia and 

electric vehicles are six per cent of 

these new sales. 

“So if even if we hypothetically sold 

100 per cent electric vehicles each 

year and we have 20 million cars on 

the road it is still going to take a little 

bit of time for EV penetration.” 

Amid the discussion, Darrell said 

automotive had the ability to develop 

the pipeline of future technicians. 

“One of the challenges we all have 

in our business is skills and there 

is a huge skills shortage through 

automotive,” he said. 

“We need to work with schools where 

you can change the paradigm from 

grease and spanners to technology, 

scanning tools and computers. 

“I think the automotive industry has 

a real opportunity to change that 

thinking and attract a whole new 

range of people in our industry to 

work on really exciting cars.” 

The MTA’s contribution in front of 

industry leaders, businesses and 

decision-makers was well received 

and helped cap off the conference’s 

first day of proceedings. More than 

800 guests attended the inaugural 

event over its two days. 

Darrell Jacobs 

presenting at 

the Climate 

Conference. 


ELECTRIC VEHICLES 

29 

National EV Strategy 

an Opportunity Not 

to Be Wasted 

The Federal Government’s inaugural 

National Electric Vehicle Strategy 

will help South Australians reduce 

their emissions and will increase 

the affordability of electric and 

hybrid vehicles. 

The MTA had previously called on 

the SA Government to work with its 

federal counterparts to develop a 

nationally consistent transition plan 

to zero and low-emission vehicles. 

MTA CEO Darrell Jacobs welcomed 

the development of a fuel efficiency 

standard as a key pillar of the 

strategy. 

“Without a fuel efficiency standard 

manufacturers have been prioritising 

other markets which penalise car 

brands for not meeting emissions 

benchmarks,” Darrell said in 

response to the strategy’s release. 

“Fuel efficiency standards were 

the missing piece and it will 

ultimately increase the range of 

more affordable vehicles that 

South Australians can purchase. 

This is the green light towards 

cheaper electric vehicles. 

“We know the transition will 

not happen overnight but the 

government’s strategy provides 

greater clarity to the automotive 

industry and motorists about the 

path forward. 

“We are also pleased that the 

government has listened to our calls 

and not banned the sale of petrol 

and diesel vehicles. Government 

funding support will also be required 

to equip the existing automotive 

workforce to know how to safely 

sell, service and repair EVs.” 

Darrell said four out of five 

Australians want to charge 

their EV at home. 

“South Australia requires a 

comprehensive and fit-for-purpose 

charging network and access to 

affordable and reliable power to 

meet future demand,” he said. 

“We know the strength of local 

energy supply has been central 

to the take up of electric vehicles 

internationally.” 

The strategy will also plan for the 

recycling and reuse of EV batteries. 

“EVs will bring new environmental 

waste challenges and so the time 

is right to introduce a comprehensive 

end of life vehicle policy,” explained 

Darrell. 

“We should also be identifying how 

we can repurpose batteries and 

make them custom-fit for use 

within and beyond transportation.” 

The Federal Government will now 

consult on the design of its fuel 

efficiency standards, including with 

the MTA, before they are announced 

shortly this year. 


30 

INDUSTRY NEWS 

Emissions Standard 

The Federal Government announced 

it will develop fuel efficiency 

standards as the pillar of its 

National Electric Vehicle Strategy. 

Fuel efficiency standards are 

frameworks that set a limit on the 

average emissions from new cars 

sold by each manufacturer, with the 

aim to gradually reduce this limit 

over time to achieve emission 

reduction targets. 

Without a fuel efficiency standard in 

Australia global manufacturers have 

been prioritising other markets which 

penalise car brands for not meeting 

these emissions benchmarks. 

Members 

Set Policies 

at Industry 

Advisory 

Council Meeting 

While incentives and rebates are 

broadly established for electric 

vehicles, fuel efficiency standards 

will ultimately increase the range 

and further lower the cost of zero 

and low emission vehicles that 

Australians can purchase. 

The Federal Government will 

now consult on the design of its 

fuel efficiency standards, including 

with the MTA, before it is announced 

later this year. 

The development and legislated 

introduction of the standards 

cannot however be expected to be 

a standalone solution to emissions 

reduction. 

Complementary policies that 

incentivise consumer demand and 

ensure we have adequate charging 

infrastructure will be critical to 

support electric vehicles into the 

Australian market. 

Darrell Jacobs, Frank Agostino and Minister 

Tom Koutsantonis. 

The MTA’s peak policy making body, 

the Industry Advisory Council, met 

last month where it was joined by 

the Minister for Infrastructure and 

Transport, and Minister for Energy 

and Mining, Tom Koutsantonis. 

The Minister shared information 

on how automotive businesses 

can manage rising power costs 

and energy uses, plus with rapid 

developments in mobility he 

discussed future automotive 

technologies. 

Electric vehicle charging provider 

myenergi similarly provided an 

update on emerging EV trends 

and the associated required 

infrastructure. 

As an association, the MTA is only 

as strong as its members. The 

Industrial Advisory Council 

helps set both the MTA’s short 

and long-term goals and members 

shared rigorous discussions about 

future policy proposals. By joining the 

MTA, members help shape the future 

of the automotive industry. 


SCAN TO CONTACT 

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apprentice through the 

MTA so you can get on with 

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Your hosting fees cover: apprentice superannuation, 

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We offer flexible on-demand placements, with no upfront 

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8241 0522 grouptrainingadmin@mtasant.com.au 


32 

CONSUMER AFFAIRS 

Commissioner for 

Consumer Affairs, 

Dini Soulio. 

New Disclosure Requirements 

for Vehicle Repairs 

On 1 June 2023, new laws 

spearheaded by the MTA commenced 

to help consumers be better informed 

about relationships between motor 

vehicle insurers and repairers. 

Under amendments to the Fair 

Trading Act 1987, motor vehicle 

insurers must now tell policy holders 

about any relevant interest they 

have in a repairer and whether policy 

holders have a choice of repairer. 

Below, the Commissioner for 

Consumer Affairs, Dini Soulio, 

answers some key questions about 

what the changes mean for industry 

and consumers. 

What will motor vehicle 

insurers need to do? 

Motor vehicle insurers need to tell 

policy holders about any relevant 

interest the insurer has in relation to 

a particular repairer, such as if they 

have a financial interest or a contract 

with the repairer. Ad-hoc or one-off 

arrangements do not need to be 

disclosed. 

Disclosure must occur before an 

insurer engages or authorises a 

particular repairer to undertake 

repairs under an insurance policy. 

How do they need to disclose 

this information? 

Insurers must publish a list of 

repairers they have an interest in 

(a statement of relevant interest) 

on their websites. 

They should also provide these 

statements directly to policy holders, 

and let them know they are available 

on their website. 

What else do insurers need 

to let policy holders know? 

Insurers now need to let policy 

holders know whether or not they 

have a choice of repairer. 

They must do this whenever a person 

enters into an insurance contract, 

renews a policy or makes a claim. 

Why have these changes 

been introduced? 

The changes are about increasing 

the transparency of relationships 

between insurers and repairers. 

By enhancing consumer awareness 

regarding choice of repairer, informed 

decisions can be made. Often, 

this information is only included 

in Product Disclosure Statements 

and may be missed by consumers. 

This will benefit consumers and 

support transparent, informed, 

effective and cooperative 

relationships between motor 

vehicle insurers and repairers. 

What is the role of Consumer 

and Business Services (CBS) 

in this change? 

CBS is responsible for administering 

the Fair Trading Act and we will be 

monitoring the industry to make 

sure they are complying with the 

requirements and acting if insurers 

are not doing what is required. 

A six month grace period will apply 

until 1 December 2023 to allow the 

industry to become fully compliant 

with the new provisions. 

Other changes have been made 

to the motor vehicle insurance 

and repair industry, including the 

introduction of a Code of Conduct 

for motor vehicle insurers and 

repairers. The Code of Conduct is 

administered by the South Australian 

Small Business Commissioner 

(SASBC). For more information 

visit the SASBC website . 

“The changes are 

about increasing 

the transparency 

of relationships 

between insurers 

and repairers.” 


CHARITY 

33 

Handover featuring AEA President Murray 

Forbes and Foodbank SA CEO Greg Pattinson. 

Major 

Donation 

Helping 

to End 

Hunger 

The Automotive Exhibitors 

Association (AEA) has made a 

significant donation to one of South 

Australia’s most important charities, 

Foodbank SA . 

As the State’s largest provider of 

food relief, Foodbank has historically 

maintained a fleet of 12 vehicles to 

support the ever-increasing demand 

for its services. 

However, its fleet was ageing and 

in urgent need of upgrading to 

support both its expansion in rural 

areas – including a recent move to 

open in Alice Springs - and an overall 

increase in demand. 

Foodbank SA has the largest 

geographical reach of any food 

relief charity in South Australia. 

The AEA learned that Foodbank had 

an immediate need to increase its 

fleet to include an additional five 

4 x 2 refrigerated vehicles, primarily 

for food collection and distribution. 

“Now working with more than 694 

charities and 550 school programs 

we need to ensure we are committed 

to mission to get the most food, to 

the most people in need, the most 

efficient way possible,” said Greg 

Pattinson, CEO, Foodbank SA. 

The Motor Dealers of South Australia 

came on board to support the 

cause, with a financial commitment 

underwritten by AEA to fund five new 

4×2 refrigerated vehicles, including 

branding of the vehicles. 

This comprises: 

• three of the donated vehicles 

located in Mount Gambier, 

Whyalla and Murray Bridge to 

support its regional operation 

• two units stationed in 

metropolitan Adelaide. 

The funds also enabled the purchase 

of a SUV to replace the current 

vehicle for the Operations Manager, 

who is responsible for maintaining 

food donor and procurement 

relationships. The old vehicle had 

passed the 400,000kms! 

The vehicles all carry the branding 

“Donated by The Motor Dealers of 

South Australia.” 

“The support provided by the Motor 

Dealers of SA will ensure that 

Foodbank SA can get more food 

to more people in need across the 

state,” said Greg. 

“This is more than a mere donation – 

it is a great example of the business 

community demonstrating their 

commitment to SA, having a true 

impact where it is needed the most. 

“These vehicles will have a positive 

long-term impact on the food 

security in this state. Helping us 

toward our vision of ending hunger.” 

AEA was formed by a group of 

leading South Australian dealers 

and distributors in 1969 to provide 

South Australia with an international 

standard motor show. 


34 

Offset Clauses 

in Employment 

Contracts 

Employment contracts are essential 

agreements that outline the terms 

and conditions of the relationship 

between employers and employees. 

One of the most critical aspects 

of any employment contract is the 

inclusion of an offset clause. An 

offset clause is a provision that allows 

an employer to pay an employee 

above the minimum standards set 

by any relevant Awards or industrial 

laws to cover their obligation to pay 

for certain entitlements such as 

overtime, penalty rates, and annual 

leave loading. 

Having an offset clause in an 

employment contract provides 

employers with greater flexibility in 

how they manage paying their staff. It 

enables the employer to decide which 

entitlements they want to offset and 

can make the process for payroll 

simpler by not having to identify 

payments for entitlements such as 

allowances and leave loading. By 

paying above Award rates, employers 

can attract and retain talented 

employees while also remaining 

competitive within their industry. 

In addition, the inclusion of an offset 

clause can also benefit employees. 

It provides them with greater 

transparency about their entitlements 

and allows them to negotiate a fair 

and reasonable salary that takes 

into account the benefits they will 

receive. It also provides them with 

a predictable and stable wage. This 

can lead to a more positive and 

productive working relationship 

between the employer and employee. 

However, it's important to note that 

employers must ensure that their 

hourly rate or salary they offer their 

employee is sufficiently high enough 

above the Award that it covers all 

possible entitlements. For example, 

if an employee on a salary works 

a large number of overtime hours, 

their wage must be high enough that 

they are compensated for the extra 

overtime worked. We recommend 

conducting a reconciliation of your 

employees’ wages every few months 

to ensure you are meeting your 

obligations. 

It is crucial that the inclusion of an 

offset clause must comply with 

the relevant Awards, employment 

laws and regulations. If an employer 

pays above Award rates but does 

not have an offset clause in their 

contracts and fails to outline the 

payment of specific entitlements on 

their payslips such as allowances, 

they are under significant risk of 

breaching the Award and receiving 

an underpayment claim and facing 

potential fines. 

A key example of this in the motor 

industry is vehicle salespeople. A 

salesperson’s base retainer must 

be high enough that it covers all 

their basic entitlements, allowances 

and penalty rates. The payment of 

commission can only offset the 

payment for hours worked beyond 38 

hours and nothing else. For example, 

an employer cannot state that their 

employee’s commission covers the 

need to pay them for annual leave 

loading when they take leave. An 

employer also cannot claim their 

employee’s base retainer is high 

enough to cover this entitlement, 

unless they have an offset clause 

in their contract that states their 

salary takes annual leave loading 

into account. 

A recent case example from the 

banking industry in Arundell & Ors 

v Macquarie Bank Ltd [2020] FCCA 

2720 (2 October 2020) provides a 

clear warning to employers of the 

importance of an offset clause, 

particularly where commission is 

involved. 

Macquarie Bank was found to have 

underpaid 16 of its employees and 

was ordered to repay each employee 

the amounts owed from the breach 

amounting to over $500,000. The 

bank’s wealth advisors received a 

WORKPLACE RELATIONS 

base salary but earned significant 

commissions, some earning up to 

$1 million annually. The Respondent 

argued their contracts made it clear 

that the fixed salary was intended to 

set off the Award salary. However, the 

court found they failed to prove that 

the payment of other entitlements 

had been met in relation to leave 

loading, public holidays, annual leave, 

personal leave and compassionate 

leave. It was not accepted that 

their commission payments could 

offset these entitlements and they 

had no clear terms in the contract 

that demonstrated the base salary 

intended to offset these entitlements. 

The Respondent also failed to 

demonstrate on their payslips that 

these specific types of leave had 

been paid. The court distinguished 

the difference between the payment 

of a salary for an ordinary day versus 

payment for leave. Thus despite 

still receiving payment when the 

employees took leave, it was held 

the payment for leave was still owing 

because their payslips did not state 

that a particular type of leave had 

been paid, rather just their normal 

wage was paid. 

This case highlights the importance 

of having clear, explicit terms in your 

employment contracts about which 

entitlements you intend to offset, 

but also to ensure your payslips 

clearly identify when you are making 

payments for a certain type of leave. 

In conclusion, having an offset clause 

in an employment contract can be 

beneficial for both employers and 

employees. However, it is essential 

to use this clause responsibly and in 

compliance with the relevant Awards 

and legislation. It is particularly 

crucial in our industry where most 

workers are paid above the Award 

and many workers earn commission. 

Employers should always seek 

professional advice to ensure that 

their employment contracts are fair, 

reasonable, and legally compliant. 

If you need assistance, please 

contact the MTA on 8291 2000, 

or at wr@mtasant.com.au . 


EVENTS 

35 

Championing 

Electric Vehicle 

Training and 

Inspiring Future 

Automotive 

Enthusiasts 

The MTA recently had the 

privilege of sponsoring the 

Adelaide Motorsport Festival, 

where we proudly showcased 

our leadership in electric vehicle 

training and our efforts toward 

ensuring a skilled workforce to 

support the growing number of 

EV motorists in the future. 

The MTA exhibit featured the 

renowned MTA Monaro and a 

damaged Tesla Model 3, attracting 

a diverse range of motoring 

enthusiasts who were eager to 

engage in conversations about 

the various career opportunities 

available at the MTA, our 

commitment to the industry, and 

the training and support we offer. 

Attendees also had the opportunity 

to engage in interactive displays 

and hands-on activities including 

our exciting pit stop challenge. 

These engaging activities created 

an energetic learning atmosphere 

and ignited the interest of the 

attendees. 

The festival saw an impressive 

turnout of families and young 

car enthusiasts, and we were 

delighted to have captured details 

from a significant number of 

attendees who expressed interest 

in automotive apprenticeships. 

This is a testament to the MTA's 

efforts to inspire and educate the 

next generation of automotive 

enthusiasts. 

The event offered excellent 

networking opportunities, enabling 

participants to connect with MTA 

staff. This facilitated conversations 

and allowed attendees to explore 

potential employment or training 

opportunities. The event also 

served as an inspiration for 

individuals to pursue their 

passion in the automotive 

industry through hearing success 

stories, discussions with industry 

experts, and engaging experiences 

provided by the MTA. 

We remain committed to our 

efforts in ensuring a skilled 

workforce is available to 

automotive into the future. 


36 

INDUSTRY NEWS 

Did you know? 

Vehicle Salespeople 

There are a number of laws employers must consider 

throughout all stages of employing Vehicle Salespeople. 

It is important that businesses are aware of their 

obligations due to the potential fines they can face 

for breaching these laws and the risk of underpayment 

claims. 

Criminal History 

Firstly, it is important before you hire a salesperson that 

you conduct a criminal history check. Under section 13A 

of the Second-hand Vehicle Dealers Act 1995 (SA), a 

dealer must not employ someone as a salesperson if: 

• they have been convicted of an indictable offence 

of dishonesty; or 

• during the 10 years preceding their employment, 

they have been convicted of a summary offence 

of dishonesty; or 

• they are suspended or disqualified from practising 

or carrying on an occupation, trade or business 

under a law of South Australia, the Commonwealth, 

or another State or Territory. 

There is a maximum penalty of $100,000 for a breach 

of these laws. We recommend screening any new 

employees and implementing workplace policies that 

require employees to disclose if they become charged 

or convicted of any criminal offence. 

Classification 

Once you have hired a vehicle salesperson, you must 

ensure you are complying with the special provisions 

outlined under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail 

Award 2020. Firstly, your employee must be correctly 

classified. It is our interpretation that “persons employed 

principally to sell vehicles” includes anyone whose 

role is to assist in the vehicle sale process, including 

aftermarket sales and insurance and finance relating 

to the purchase of a new or second-hand vehicle. 

Commission 

Employers must make sure that vehicle salespeople 

are paid correctly. Commission is not a requirement 

but an option that businesses can offer to incentivise 

their employees. Therefore, you must ensure that your 

salespeople’s base retainer is high enough to cover their 

minimum entitlements. Full-time employees get penalty 

rates for working on days off, working on public holidays 

and working on Sundays. Full-time employees must get 

paid for a minimum of 38 hours, but the Award allows 

for an employee’s commission payments to offset hours 

worked in excess of 38 hours. This means that the 

commission an employee earns can be used to cover 

the extra hours they work beyond 38 hours in a week. 

The employer must review their wages every 3 months 

to ensure their commission payments are high enough 

to cover wages due from the extra hours worked. 

If you want to offer your employees commission, the 

Award requires the commission structure agreement 

to be in writing and a copy given to the employee. The 

agreement cannot be changed except by mutual consent 

or a week’s notice from the employer. We recommend 

including a clause in your commission agreement to 

state that the business reserves the right to amend or 

terminate the policy with a week’s notice. 

When a salesperson’s employment has ended, there are 

rules around the payment of their commission. In the 

event that their employment ends prior to the delivery of a 

vehicle for which they were entitled to commission, if the 

vehicle is delivered within 3 months of the termination, 

they will be paid two thirds of the commission they 

would have received. For vehicles already delivered, they 

must receive their commission payment within 14 days 

after the end of their employment. If multiple employees 

are involved in the sale or delivery of a vehicle, the 

commission due should be divided between them in a 

proportion they mutually agree to. 

Please note that these laws are subject to change and 

this information should not be relied upon for legal 

advice. For assistance and the most updated information, 

please contact the MTA Workplace Relations Team on 

8291 2000, or at wr@mtasant.com.au . 


BUSINESS PARTNER INDEX 

37 

EFTPOS FACILITIES 

The MTA offers ultra-competitive EFTPOS transaction rates for members through our partnership with 

Commonwealth Bank. Please email mta@mtasant.com.au and we will put you in touch with a CBA 

business banking representative. 

Commonwealth Bank 

13 22 21 

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE 

Services to MTA members at the sessional rate of $145 plus GST (discounted rate) plus a small retainer 

to cover promotional materials etc. Convenient locations include: Adelaide, Bedford Park, Christies Beach, 

Salisbury, Mount Barker and Murray Bridge. Phone, Zoom and face-to-face appointments available. 

Access Programs Employee 

Assistance Program 

8215 6799 

accesssa.com.au 

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVICE 

MTA members can benefit from environmental compliance advice, briefings, training and on-site 

assessments. GreenStamp is an accreditation program that recognises and promotes businesses 

which have implemented sound environmental practices. 

GreenStamp 

8291 2000 

wr@mtasant.com.au 

OFFICE SUPPLIES 

The Officeworks partnership gives business pricing only available to MTA members on a wide range of 

office essentials. By signing up to a 30 Day Business Account you will receive free delivery across South 

Australia including regional areas (excluding large or bulky items). 

Officeworks 

officeworks.com.au/campaigns/ 

mtasa 

PARTS BUYING 

Capricorn Society Limited is the largest independent automotive parts buying co-operative in Australia, 

providing the majority of parts and services to mechanical workshops, service stations and crash repairers 

throughout the country. Call toll free to find out how you can save your business both time and money. 

Pay your membership through Capricorn! 

Capricorn 

1800 EASIER (1800 327 437) 

PRINTING & GRAPHIC DESIGN 

MTA Print is your one stop shop when it comes to your printing needs – we are more than just business 

cards! We are small run digital & offset specialists, with services including motor trades stock stationery, 

forms & products, printing, digital advertising and social media, special product sourcing (you ask, we 

find), books, pads, sequential numbering and perforation for invoice books, job cards, flyers, stickers 

(service & lube as well), booklets and training manuals. MTA members get a 20% discount on all products. 

MTA Print 

8179 9907 

orders.mta@laneprint.com.au 

SUPERANNUATION 

Spirit Super is the national industry-based super fund that has proudly served the motor trades and allied 

industries for over 25 years. We make administering super simple and efficient. It’s what makes us the 

preferred choice of over 40,000 employers. Call 1800 005 166 or visit spiritsuper.com.au/Employers/ 

support-for-your-business You should consider the PDS in making a decision. 

Spirit Super 

1800 005 166 

spiritsuper.com.au 

APPRENTICE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES 

When you host an apprentice through the MTA, you don’t have to worry about advertising, interviewing, 

medical checks or being the legal employer for the Contract of Training. We shortlist based on the criteria 

you set, meaning we’ll find you an apprentice that is right for your business. Forget WorkCover, payroll tax, 

annual leave, sick leave, training fees, wages and super - we’ll take care of that. And there’s more - MTA Field 

Officers also conduct regular workplace visits and contacts to ensure you and your apprentice have the 

support you need. 

WORKPLACE COMPLIANCE 

The MTA can provide WHS & HR workplace inspections and provide recommendations and support to 

fill the gaps required. 

UPSKILLING TRAINING 

MTA offers Upskilling courses to upgrade the skills of qualified automotive technicians. Courses include 

Air Conditioning, Forklift, Hybrid & Battery Electric Vehicles, Recognition of Prior Learning, SRS Airbags, 

and Wheel Alignment. Members receive a discounted price on courses. 

WORKPLACE RELATIONS & IR TRAINING 

MTA offers courses designed to help manage staff, ensure compliance, navigate the complex regulatory 

environment and tackle difficult workplace issues. Courses include: WHS and Safe Work Compliance | 

Performance Management | Misconduct Investigations and Discipline | Paying Staff Correctly | Debt Recovery 

| Consumer Law | Emergency Fire Warden Training | Members receive a discounted price on courses. 

MTA Group Training Organisation 

8241 0522 

adminroyalpark@mtasant.com.au 

MTA Audits 

8291 2000 


MTA Registered Training 

Organisation 

8241 0522 

adminroyalpark@mtasant.com.au 

MTA Training 

8291 2000 



38 

A FREE ADVERTISING SECTION FOR MTA MEMBERS 

CLASSIFIEDS 

October 2023 Motor Trade magazine: Email your listing of no more than 50 words to 

Madelaine at mraschella@boylen by Friday 8 September 2023. 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

KELLY TOYOTA ARE LOOKING FOR A 

QUALIFIED AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC to 

join our team to work in our recently built 

workshop in Jamestown, a large service town 

for the mid and upper north of SA. This is a 

full-time position with overtime available. 

Please call Chris on 0447 641115 or forward 

your resume to chris@kellytoyota.com.au . 

POSITIONS VACANT - Heavy Diesel Mechanic: 

Experience on Volvo, Isuzu, Cummins, 

Iveco, Hino and more. Auto Electrician: 

Experience on heavy commercial units. 

Ability to test, read and use wiring diagrams 

and schematics, understand commonly used 

electronic symbols. Experience with cable 

crimping and termination, wiring, soldering, 

looms and harness, sensors and 

air conditioning. Both positions: drivers 

licence essential, willing to travel remote to 

carry out repairs, ability to carry out trouble 

shooting diagnostics, list parts require to 

repair, carry out fitment and repairs. Resumes 

to contact@kenscottservices.com.au . 

HIGH QUALITY CAR SALES are looking 

for an experienced Service Advisor for our 

family-owned business. We offer full time 

employment, paid above award rate and paid 

day off on birthday. If you think you have what 

it takes, please email admin@hqcarsales. 

com.au . Full ad on www.seek.com.au . 

AUTO ELECTRICIAN – Full-time position 

available. Monday to Friday. Needed for 

immediate start in Hampstead Gardens area. 

Excellent wage and conditions for the right 

candidate. Email resume to hampsteadae@ 

optusnet.com.au or call (08) 8261 8455. 

PRINGLES CROUCH - We’re searching for 

adult apprentice Service Technicians. Re-skill 

from another area - mechanics, engineers, 

auto electricians. Above award wage and 

fantastic career progression opportunities. 

Great branches across EP and Mid-North. 

On-the-job training and support. Immediate 

start available. Visit contact us for more 

information today www.pringlescrouch.com. 

au/careers . 

WANTED TO SELL 

WHEEL ALIGNER MACHINE FOR SALE - 

Mondolfo Ferro Trigon 725. In good working 

order. Just updated. Comes with all cables, 

calibration station and all arms. $3500 ono. 

Contact Tyreplus McLaren Vale for more 

information on (08) 8323 8166. 

ITEMS FOR SALE - John Bean electronic 

wheel aligner system, $1500. Beissbarth 

wheel balancer 240volt with wheel lifter 

and tooling, can do up to light truck wheels, 

$2700. 22 ton air/hydraulic jack, $500. 

Call Adelaide Brake Mechanical for more 

information on (08) 8349 9934. 

BUSINESS FOR SALE - Bridgeland Motorcycles 

is a long-established motorcycle dealership 

located in Murray Bridge. Hosting 3 premium 

Japanese brands - Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha. 

We trade from modern and prominently 

positioned commercial premises. Bridgeland 

has been established for 37 years with the 

current owner trading since 2001. Enquiries 

to the Vendor Jacquelyn Short at jacque@ 

bridgeland.com.au or 08 8532 5722. 

ITEMS FOR SALE - Portacool industrial 

evaporative cooler jetstream 250, in very 

good condition, $1500 negotiable. A/C 

charging station and recover unit in very 

good condition, $800 negotiable. Pick up 

or can send at buyer’s expense. Phone 

08 8645 5522. 

ITEMS FOR SALE - Tyre Changer $3500: 

Beissbarth Servomat MS67 tyre changer, 

good condition, for passenger, light, 

commercial and motorcycle tyres. Up to 

30” rim diameter and 22” width. Brake lathe 

$6000: Ammco 4100 brake lathe. Brand 

new disc and drum chuck, never used. New 

anti-vibration straps, refurbished unit. Scan 

tool $650: G-Scan 1. Still in original case, 

all cables and adapters. Very good condition. 

Contact smithfieldmechanics@bigpond.com 

or 0409 396 007 for more details. 

WANTED TO BUY 

U-PULL-IT PAYS CASH FOR CARS – We want 

cars in any condition: crashed, damaged, 

scrapped, running or not running. FREE 

REMOVAL - Call Justin on 0408 782 480 for 

an instant cash price and same day collection, 

visit www.upullit.com.au/sell-your-car/ . 

Association Information 

MOTOR TRADE ASSOCIATION 

CHAIR Frank Agostino 

CEO Darrell Jacobs 

GM AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS Jason 

Polgreen 

GM APPRENTICES Jodi Ryan 

GM MEDIA, MARKETING & POLICY 

Kaes Cillessen 

Official publication of the 

Motor Trade Association 

L1, 81 Greenhill Rd, Wayville 

P (08) 8291 2000 

Toll Free 1800 882 046 

www.mtasant.com.au 

mta@mtasant.com.au 

Publishing Information 

BOYLEN 

3/288 Glen Osmond Road, Fullarton 

ADVERTISING sales@boylen.com.au 

LAYOUT Madelaine Raschella Elliott 

P (08) 8233 9433 

www.boylen.com.au 


TRAINING & 

COURSES WEBSITE 

NOW LIVE 

Browse, book & pay online for 

upskilling training today! 

SCAN TO BROWSE 

Scan the QR code below or 

visit https://qrco.de/be6Mc5 


Bringing super 

knowledge to you 

Supercharge your knowledge with our webinars and seminars 

Whether you want to grow your super, understand your investment 

options or plan for life after work, our super experts can show you the way. 

For upcoming events, go to spiritsuper.com.au/events. 

Topics covered include 

• Maximise your super 

• Get retirement ready 

• Transition to retirement 

• Life after work 

• Your investments options 

• Insurance in super 

• Applying for the Aged Pension 

It all starts with spirit. 

Consider the PDS and TMD at spiritsuper.com.au/pds before making a decision. Issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation 

Fund Pty Ltd (AFSL 238 718, ABN 14 008 650 628). Advice is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443).

MTA July 2023 SA

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