Motor Trade June 2021 SA

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June 2021

Official Magazine of the Motor Trade Association SA/NT

LAUNCHING CAREERS WITH IMPACT

SKILL SHORTAGES ADDRESSED AT INDUSTRY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEE TING

MTA GRADUATION AND AWARDS CEREMONY BACK TO CONTENTS

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Since 1974, we’ve understood what our Members are up against. That’s why we cover what’s important. Whether it’s access to suppliers and parts, operations and service data or financial assistance and business protections, we make sure our Members get what they need to run a successful business.

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MOTOR TRADE MAGAZINE: SA

CONTENTS

JUNE 2021 NEW MEMBER PROFILE

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MTA GRADUATION AND AWARDS CEREMONY The Motor Trade Association held its annual South Australian Graduation and Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony on Friday 11 June, celebrating the success and achievements of South Australia’s future automotive technicians with 197 graduates and six award winners, including Apprentice of the Year, Hayden Bradshaw.

Mitchell Pope’s career path has taken a positive step, thanks ironically to a negative consequence of COVID-19, which led to the creation of MP Mechanical Tyres & Auto.

LONG STANDING MEMBER

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Chairman’s Report

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Apprentice of the Year

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CEO’s Message

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Major Award Winners

Tatiara Truck & Trailers was founded in 1983 in Bordertown and has since gone on to became renowned in the transport industry for quick, highquality service.

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New Member Profile: COVID-19 Good News Story

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2020 MTA Graduating Apprentices

NEW RTO TEAM

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Right to Repair Passes Key Milestones

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With Thanks to Our Sponsors

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Franchising Reform a Win for Australian Automotive

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Apprentice at Work

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Long Standing Member Profile: Tracking the Rise of Tatiara Truck & Trailers

New RTO Management Team on the Block!

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Skill Shortages Addressed at Recent Industry Advisory Council Meeting

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MTA Member Businesses

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Director Registry Aims to Track and End Illegal Company Activity

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Real Time Fuel Pricing in Full Swing

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MTA Position on EV Taxes

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Business Partners Index

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Changes to Casual Employment

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Member Classifieds

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Publishing Information

 Skip to article The MTA’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO) has been evolving quickly this year, with a new management team dedicated to customer service and continuous improvement.

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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT MTA CHAIRMAN, FRANK AGOSTINO As we find our feet in the new COVIDnormal, it is interesting to decipher what challenges may lie ahead as pointed out by the Directions in Australia’s Automotive Industry – An Industry Report 2021 , produced by the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA).

It is only the second edition of its kind and further explores the main issues first uncovered in 2017, providing a great snapshot of Australia’s automotive industry, including trends, challenges and their likely impacts.

It is extremely useful having statistics when advocating to government and industry stakeholders on key issues, providing an evidence-based argument on the size and scope of the current challenges facing us as an industry.

The report also gives us guidance on what has been the most important factors effecting those in the automotive industry recently, what is currently working and not working, and the challenges that lie ahead.

Standing out across the board is skill shortages and we thank David Pisoni MP, Minister for Innovation and Skills for joining us at our latest Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) as guest speaker to cover off this important topic - Skill Shortages in the Automotive Industry: The Government of South Australia’s response and looking to the future. We were also fortunate to hear from Ms Rachael Jensen, Industry Engagement

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Consultant, Systems Performance, Further Education and Pathways within the Department for Education.

Speaking on the topic of pathways to further education and employment, Rachel covered the recent VET policy reform and more specifically the link between schools, Registered Training Organisations and industry – we now look forward to how the Department for Education and the MTA can work together to ensure we attract and retain the best talent into the automotive field.

There was much robust discussion when conducting an overview of current skill shortages in the South Australian and Northern Territory automotive industries and the Council was presented with a summary of activities currently underway and that could be addressed going forward.

These include: School pathways, which includes a combination of work experience and industry working with schools directly.

• Mature age apprenticeships and the possibility of creating an employment board.

• Trade assistant qualifications.

The other main issue identified as a major challenge for the automotive industry is emerging and future technology – this includes the transition into hybrid and electric vehicles.

The pace of change is rapid and governments around the world are taking different approaches, including whether to subsidise or back certain technology over others.

The report identified five key pillars of technology that have already been heavily invested in over the past decade, those being: • electric mobility • hydrogen technology • connected vehicles • autonomous vehicles • shared mobility.

Significant investment is required by industry for the upgrading of equipment and skills, plus infrastructure and community awareness by governing bodies.

The MTA is already working together with all stakeholders to prepare for the impact future-technology vehicles will no doubt have on society, readying our industry to have the skills and supply chain necessary to not be caught out when the shift takes off.

Although much work lies ahead, there is lots to be positive about and I am personally excited to see how we as an industry can turn these challenges into opportunities – as the opening sentence of the Industry Report states, ‘For the first time in modern history, the industry is at a revolutionary turning point.’

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FO C EO L I’ O S M P LE AS CS EA HG O ELDER

CEO’S MESSAGE MTA CEO, PAUL UNERKOV

As we approach the halfway point of 2021, it’s worth noting a number of major advocacy wins achieved.

FRANCHISING REFORM Nationally, we have been advocating for more than a year to finally secure a commitment from the Federal Government to reform the power imbalance between vehicle dealers and manufacturers in the wake of GM Holden’s decision to withdraw from the Australian market, as well as moves towards agency models from brands such as Honda and Mercedes.

With our members front of mind, we took opportunities to highlight their situation through a number of written submissions and media opportunities.

The changes will see increased penalties of $10 million, up from $66,000, for car manufacturers found guilty of systemic misconduct, making current voluntary principles compulsory obligations, and ensuring ‘agent’ type agreements are covered by franchising and competition regulations, providing increased protections for Australian car retailing businesses and their thousands of employees.

Other changes include significant improvements to disclosure, coverage, adequacy of terms to secure a return on investment, as well as dispute resolution, and compensation requirements.

Importantly, the reforms require manufacturers (as franchisors) to specify how they will buy back or provide compensation for new vehicle inventory, parts, and special tools in

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the event of early termination or nonrenewal of the agreement.

The launch of the new dealer regulatory reform guide – a collaboration between MTA SA/NT, our national body the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), other state industry associations and FCW Lawyers – breaks down the amendment into digestible sections, providing useful tools for identifying unfair contract terms, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, dispute resolution tactics and much more.

The guide has been written specifically for dealers and dealer councils.

Notably, it provides a roadmap for how dealers and dealer councils can use various reforms to effectively and efficiently improve their bargaining position.

Our next steps will be to monitor the implementation of these reforms and continue working with the wider ‘motor vehicle’ dealer community, such as trucks, motorcycles, tractors, farm and construction machinery – wherever an imbalance of power may exist.

RIGHT TO REPAIR We also welcomed the passing of the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme) Bill 2021 in Federal Parliament recently.

The Bill strikes a balance between independent repairers and vehicle dealers who have made significant financial investments into automotive brands, where essentially the ultimate winner will be the consumer who is

now afforded greater choice in where they choose to repair or service their vehicle. We thank MTAA CEO, Richard Dudley for his tireless work over the past decade advocating solutions in regards to critical motor vehicle service and repair information.

FUTURE GENERATION Our Group Training Organisation (GTO) reached a new record of 471 hosted apprentices – plus 197 graduates at this year’s Apprentice Awards.

We have a strong commitment to industry in ensuring the next generation of technicians enter our industry with the best, most up-to-date skills possible, which is why the MTA’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO) continues to upgrade training facilities and introduce future tech into the curriculum – for example, the electric vehicle technology and precision agriculture systems courses currently being drafted into full qualifications.

On the training front, I would like to introduce MTA members to Alana Sparrow who has been appointed General Manager, Automotive Skills Development and Victoria Griffith who is now Head of Automotive Training.

Every learner’s experience is important and we want to inspire, invigorate and grow the current and future generations of automotive specialists so our industry can thrive. To find out more about the new RTO team, skip to page 26 .

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NEW MEMBER PROFILE

MP Mechanical 

COVID-19 GOOD NEWS STORY

BY ROBERT LAIDLAW

Mitchell Pope’s career path has taken a positive step, thanks ironically to a negative consequence of COVID-19, which led to the creation of MP Mechanical Tyres & Auto.

While working through his apprenticeship as a mechanic with the MTA, Mitchell was honing his trade with Stillwell Kia, a company he planned to work with long term, but then the pandemic hit and life started to change for the 23-year-old.

three to four days a week. By February this year, MP Mechanical Tyres & Auto was operating full time.

“Last year was challenging – I lost my job and spent all of my savings on a workshop bond and start up tools,” Mitchell said.

“Financially it was one of the hardest years of my life.

“I was hosted throughout my apprenticeship by Stillwell Kia, which was purchased by City Holden in April/May last year,” Mitchell said.

“Now I spend in excesses of 70 hours a week at the workshop. It’s hard, it’s very hard, but I really enjoy handing over a vehicle where the customer is happy with their car.

At the end of the day, the customer makes it worthwhile.

A happy customer is a happy workshop.”

“Stillwell’s was bought during the middle of COVID-19, which made finding new employment challenging. I was fortunate enough to have a basic set-up at home that allowed me to work on vehicles on the ground.

How Mitchell found his calling as a mechanic is interesting, as initially he studied IT in middle school at St Columba College at Andrews Farm, before he decided it (IT) wasn’t for him.

“I registered the business name MP Mechanical Tyres & Auto and created an ABN, as I had a small clientele of around 10-15 customers. I created Instagram and Facebook pages, then began advertising.

Then he kind of followed in his father’s footsteps, who was an industrial refrigeration mechanic.

“Gradually the business built up and by October last year I was out of room at home and began looking for a workshop locally, which would suit my needs.”

After around a month, in early November 2020, Mitchell secured a lease at Edinburgh North and started the transition into his new workshop, where he was working

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“Yes, Dad was an influence in that direction, but I always enjoyed riding motorbikes at my grandparent’s property and fixing them, and go-carts – I was always hands on and enjoyed working with moving parts,” Mitchell said.

“I started my apprenticeship through the MTA, where I completed all of my training. The MTA offered fantastic facilities and training to all their apprentices. Any minor issues I had with host employers were rectified swiftly.

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FOLIO PLACEHOLDER

“The MTA symbolises quality work in the auto trade, which is now something through MP Mechanical we’re looking to emulate.

“We are super excited to be a part of the MTA, and can’t wait to continue to grow as a small business and keep offering our customers the best service we can.”

MP Mechanical Tyres & Auto has grown to such an extent, Mitchell’s partner Jessica Dowling has now joined as the invoicing officer.

It really has been an exciting time for this young man and his flourishing new business, as he has turned his life around from the uncertainty created by COVID-19 to a clear employment pathway into the future.

“Factors to a successful business vary from case to case, and for us I think we have been very fortunate with our incredible customers,” Mitchell said.

“We will always make sure our customers are a priority, which our reviews reflect. We have been fortunate to secure a workshop that’s local to many of our existing customers, and local to shopping centres, bus stops and movie theatres.

“I genuinely think the biggest key to a happy, successful business is honesty, that’s it! Be honest with customers, if we’re falling behind and need more time, we are open and honest to customers.

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“We’re open with our costs up front and before commencing work. We’re really trying to break the stigma of the mechanic shop where customers feel they have been ripped off and kept in the dark.”

MP Mechanical offers a one stop shop for customers, from log-book servicing, mechanical repairs, brakes, engine replacement – anything on a vehicle, Mitchell will work on.

Everything from tyre fitting and wheel alignments, wiring diagnostics, engine light and ABS light diagnostic and repair, ECU reprogramming, accessory fitting (bull bars, towbars etc.), aftermarket suspension, wheels and tyres, and even a spotlight, dashcam, reverse cam or stereo installs, all with genuine and honest customer service.

And coming soon, PCMtech.

“I love the diversity of the automotive industry,” Mitchell said.

“We get to meet people from all walks of life, and get to work on vehicles we may not have seen before. Each day is a different challenge. I don’t think you can get bored in the auto trade, it’s always updating and constantly evolving.

“The industry is completely different to what it was 20 years ago. Imagine where it will be in another 20 years?”

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RIGHT TO REPAIR PASSES KEY MILESTONES

Significant progress has been made on the Right to Repair issue in recent months.

The Competition and Consumer Amendment (Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme) Bill 2021 was introduced by the Federal Government and approved by the House of Representatives in mid-May. The MTA is hopeful that it will pass the Senate before the Canberra break in July and the government has set a target for the scheme to be in operation mid-2022.

The legislation sets out a mandatory access scheme, for qualified or authorised people, to access technical service and repair documentation.

The Federal government has also announced in its latest budget that it will provide $9.9 million over five years from 2020-21 (and $1.2 million per year ongoing) to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to support the implementation of the Mandatory Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Scheme.

“Right to repair has been an ongoing issue for independent repairers trying to access technical service and repair information from manufacturers,” said Kaes Cillessen, the MTA’s Industry and Government Engagement Manager.

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ADVOCACY

“A scheme for voluntary data sharing failed to achieve the desired outcomes and the ACCC then recommended going to a mandatory data sharing arrangement.

“If the legislation passes the Senate, the main industry associations representing all of the interests ranging from manufacturers and dealers through to small independents will have to work together.”

“We’re supportive of independents accessing information, but it must be at a fair price in recognition of dealers who have made significant financial investments in their franchises,” said Kaes.

“We’re keen to make sure that we can get this scheme up and running and bring the voice of not just the independent repairs, but also dealerships, to the table.

“Obviously we don’t support that access to information is open to everybody, including backyarders.

“But in knowing our membership, the Motor Trade Association of Australia (MTAA) has a very good grip on the automotive industry and the legitimacy of certain operators.

“The MTA wants to work together to make sure the scheme is delivered and is fair to all parties.”

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ADVOCACY

FRANCHISING REFORM A WIN FOR AUSTRALIAN AUTOMOTIVE MTA SA/NT, together with the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) has achieved a major victory, with the Federal Government pressing forward with strong franchise reform that will protect Australian new car dealers.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the Government would “protect Australia’s family-owned automotive businesses and their employees from the growing power imbalance with multi-national car companies by introducing new significant financial penalties for wrongdoing under the Franchising Code of Conduct.”

A fine of up to $10 million could be given to international car companies that undertake systemic breaches under the Code, including unilaterally changing contracts, poor compensation and reneging on warranties.

The existing voluntary automotive principles will be made compulsory and a new mandatory automotive code will be strongly considered, following consultation. The Government will also explore mandatory binding arbitration provisions within this new code, similar to those in the Media Bargaining Code, which were developed to curtail the power of the Big Tech platforms.

NEW MEASURES The new measures announced will: • Increase available penalties under the Franchising

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Code to up to $10 million. This will strengthen penalties for wilful, egregious and systemic breaches of the Franchising Code by large and profitable multinational companies.

• E stablish best practice by transforming existing voluntary principles into mandatory obligations under the Franchising Code. This will address concerns multi-national manufacturers won’t follow voluntary principles.

• E nsure that the Franchising Code keeps pace with changes to business practice by explicitly recognising that dealers operating as a manufacturer’s agent in relation to new vehicle sales are still protected by the Franchising Code.

In addition, the Government is committed to working further with the automotive franchising sector and will consult on: • Ensuring appropriate protections for automotive dealerships from unfair contract terms in their agreements with manufacturers; • O ptions to achieve mandatory binding arbitration for automotive franchisees, to address power imbalance when there is a dispute; and • T he merits of a standalone automotive franchising code.

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ADVOCACY

“It’s important that Australian dealerships, which are often family businesses that have made significant investments in automotive brands and their communities, are not left high and dry when large corporates like GM leave the market,” said Kaes Cillessen, the MTA’s Industry and Government Engagement Manager.

“It’s important that Australian dealerships... and their communities are not left high and dry when large corporates like GM leave the market.”

MTA WELCOMES CHANGES The Federal Budget included provision for $4.3 million over four years from 2021-22 to design and implement a Franchise Disclosure Registry to enable prospective franchisees to make an informed decision before entering a franchise agreement.

The challenge is for businesses to understand how they

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can use these new tools to their advantage. As part of this, MTA CEO Paul Unerkov attended the launch of the new dealer regulatory reform guide – a collaboration between MTA SA/NT, national body the MTAA, other state industry associations and FCW Lawyers.

“As we already know, the Federal Government has introduced major reform for dealer franchise arrangements and together with incoming Unfair Contract Terms legislation, the guide is a game changer for industry which breaks the reforms down into practical advice for dealers,” said Paul.

“The guide has been written specifically for dealers and dealer councils. Notably, this guide provides a roadmap for how dealers and dealer councils can use various reforms to effectively and efficiently improve their bargaining position.”

Paul said the MTA was pleased to see that the franchising reforms set out a range of scenarios such as multi-party dispute resolution, increased penalties and requirements around capital investment requests.

“It enshrines new car dealers having their own schedule in the franchising code, which is a really massive deal.” he said “It reflects a broader recognition by the Government that new car dealers have made such large investments over a long period of time.”

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LONG STANDING MEMBER

Dylan Jenkin

TRACKING THE RISE OF TATIARA TRUCK & TRAILERS

BY LUCY BREWER

Tatiara Truck & Trailers was founded in 1983 in a small workshop on Seventh Street, Bordertown. John and Ann Jenkin, along with a business partner, started the company to provide heavy truck services to the area.

The company became renowned in the transport industry for quick, high-quality service, and the partners realised the business needed to expand to meet demand. The Jenkins’ took full ownership, and by 1997 had moved Tatiara Truck & Trailers to a newly constructed industrial estate, where it remains today.

The business, like many in rural South Australia, has always been synonymous with family. John and Ann’s son and daughter, Dylan and Jaime, grew up knowing a succession plan was in place. In 2011, the siblings joined their parents as official shareholders.

“Jaime started in 1999 and myself in 2001,” said Dylan.

Jaime entered the business in service admin, and now works in finance and human resources. Dylan started as an apprentice mechanic.

“I started unofficially by buying a ride on mower and mowing the new lawns in 1995,” he said.

Dylan was working full-time by the end of year eleven and joined the “breakdown roster” straight away. He finished his apprenticeship and moved into a workshop foreman role.

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He has worked as a service manager and represented the company at the Kenworth Technician of the Year in 2008.

“I was lucky to be trained by some very good tradesmen in the early years: guys that were very driven and very good at getting the most out of someone,” said Dylan.

“We now have a modern facility with 55 staff with access to the best factory training and most OEMs on the highway.

We still service the agriculture industry, which is full of technology.

“We became a sub dealer for the Barry Maney group in the late 80s. This started a partnership with Ford and Kenworth trucks. Around this time arrangements with Cummins and most major brands were formed,” said Dylan.

In 2004, an in-house training centre was built, overlooking the main workshop and giving apprentices and school students a taste of working life.

“This room is still the training centre for MTA on the Limestone Coast,” said Dylan.

During last year’s COVID-19 pandemic, Tatiara Truck & Trailers underwent another redevelopment, with the construction of a new spare parts warehouse and office space.

“We moved in there three weeks ago,” said Dylan.

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LONG STANDING MEMBER

A blue Hillman, once belonging to Dylan and Jaime’s maternal grandfather – who operated a Hillman dealership in years gone by.

Tatiara Truck & Trailers 

Jaime Virgin and brother Dylan Jenkin, standing in front of the truck their father, John Jenkin, drove baby Dylan home from the hospital in.

COVID-19 came with challenges but the business adapted.

“We were able to make changes on the fly and run with them – drivers were able to go direct to the designated bays without coming to the office and we built shower facilities during this time as service stations shut theirs down,” said Dylan.

“We remained busier than usual and grew our workforce during this time. The business period in Tatiara was massive so we built around that. The transport industry remained an important part of the economy.

“Truck drivers were quite stressed as they were being treated poorly, yet asked to go do a job for the country.

We tried to make sure we kept them safe as well as our staff as best as possible.”

Tatiara Truck & Trailers owes much of its success to relationships.

“We still have the core of our dealerships and have maintained those all these years,” said Dylan.

“We have been able to plan our succession and watch our suppliers plan theirs. Seeing the people Dad was able to start with retire, and then myself and Jaime build new relationships to take us into the future, is an amazing thing to be able to do.”

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The business has been associated with the MTA since its creation, something Dylan is grateful for.

“Having the backing and support of a team dedicated to our industry is massively important. They are there as our support with everything that makes our business tick. From HR and staff to suppliers and now our apprentice training.

They are our voice to parliament.”

John and Ann’s succession plan seems to be going smoothly; the future for the business looks bright.

“We have new partnerships forming with a brother and sister team. We are consistently trying to improve our practices and go with the times. We are trying to improve our culture and be a place for our staff to flourish and grow as leaders in our business, industry and our community.

“We continue to have strong ties with our suppliers and see them as partners to move into the future. We have great staff on board with great attitudes who want to drive us into the future. We are hiring young people and working closely with the local schools.”

“Business has grown quite a lot from one bloke in a ute just wanting to fix a few trucks and maybe an airconditioner or two,” said Dylan, quoting his father.

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MEMBER NEWS

MTA MEMBER BUSINESSES Plympton Crash Repairs 

Llordan Diesel  Adam Cannell

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McPherson Mechanical  Zac McPherson

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INDUSTRY NEWS

DIRECTOR REGISTRY AIMS TO TRACK AND END ILLEGAL COMPANY ACTIVITY The Australian Tax Office (ATO), aided

by ASIC registry staff, have continued their plan to modernise the way businesses are registered with the introduction of director identification numbers (director IDs). Amalgamating all of ASIC’s 31 business registers into the newly coined Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS), the rollout of director IDs will be the ABRS’ initial project and begin to be enforced later this year.

As a company director, although IDs will eventually become mandatory, for now nothing will change in regards to your registry obligations or how you currently deal with ASIC, the ABR or ATO. As the launch date approaches, the ABSR will make you aware of the new obligations under the regime. A

planned 15-month transition period will be granted for existing directors to apply. For new directors, a 12-month grace period will be in place to apply for an ID, then as the new rules become compulsory, the application will need to be sought prior to being appointed as a director. Not dissimilar to a driver’s licence or tax file number, the new director IDs will be a unique code that as a company director, you will have for life – regardless of whether you start a new company, change your name or move interstate or overseas.

The need for director IDs can be attributed to the current lack of integrity around company data and the plan to stamp out illegal ‘phoenixing’ activities. There are

currently no formal checks to ensure directors’ details are truthful, so the act of ‘phoenixing’ can involve repeatedly starting a new company using a false identity. The previously liquidated company continues the same business activities without incurring the debt or resulting penalties. Employees, suppliers and sub-contractors can also be left unpaid, which unfortunately is an all too common occurrence in the automotive industry. The ABRS is part of the Modifying Business Registers program which will be rolled out progressively between 2021 and 2024 as the ATO uses a private beta to test user experiences, ensuring a smooth transition. The MTA’s WR team will continue to monitor and update on the planned company director changes.

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CONSUMER BUSINESS SERVICES

REAL TIME FUEL PRICING IN FULL SWING

DINI SOULIO, COMMISSIONER FOR CONSUMER AND BUSINESS SERVICES A scheme to deliver real time petrol pricing to South Australians commenced on 19 March 2021. Fuel price apps now have more up-to-date and accurate information as petrol stations are required to report their fuel prices to a central database.

Any time a petrol station changes the price at the pump, they must report the new price within 30 minutes to a central database. Fuel price apps can then display the new price to motorists.

See the list of fuel price apps that have signed up under the SA Government’s fuel price reporting trial here .

Petrol stations must also report if a fuel type is unavailable − either temporarily or permanently.

Since the scheme commenced, Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has been monitoring fuel retailers to ensure they’re complying with the requirements of the scheme.

During the first two months of the scheme, two fuel retailers were each fined $550 for failing to register for the scheme, and 13 notice letters were sent to retailers for failing to

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update their fuel prices within the required time or not updating their prices at all, or for failing to indicate fuel is unavailable. CBS is continuing to monitor these retailers to ensure they are complying with the scheme.

The maximum penalty for breaching fuel price reporting requirements is $10,000.

In addition to the proactive checks of fuel retailers, CBS received 127 complaints from members of the public about fuel retailers during the first two months of the scheme’s operation. If the price at the bowser doesn’t match the price on a fuel price app, or if data about a particular fuel type is missing on an app, motorists can report this to CBS. The online reporting form is available via www.cbs.sa.gov.au/contact .

While the intent of mandatory reporting of prices is not to lower fuel prices, the big benefit for motorists is that they can easily find where the cheapest price is now. Fuel price apps must provide this information to the public for free.

The type of fuel price information

scheme that is in operation in SA is similar to the model that has been running in Queensland over the past couple of years. The State Government determined that this scheme will deliver the most net benefits to motorists, following a report by the South Australian Productivity Commission (SAPC) on the options for increasing transparency in fuel prices in SA. The SAPC consulted with the Motor Trade Association of South Australia in developing their report, along with other motoring and fuel organisations.

The fuel price reporting scheme will run as a trial for two years. As part of the trial, a number of factors will be monitored to determine the extent of the overall benefit for South Australians. Fuel prices will continue to be affected by external factors such as overseas and local market forces, however the scheme can assist SA motorists by ensuring they have access to comprehensive fuel price information that is more accurate and transparent.

For more information about fuel pricing visit www.sa.gov.au/fuelprices 

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES

MTA POSITION ON EV TAXES The MTA has responded to the State Government’s proposed Road User Charge for Zero and Low Emission Vehicles by offering in-principle support for road user taxation to be technology neutral. But while the MTA believes all road users should contribute to infrastructure and safety upgrades on our roads, it has cautioned that as with fuel excise, any reform must remain the responsibility of the Federal Government.

This follows extensive consultation with MTA members on a range of taxation and incentive measures proposed by various State Governments for electric vehicles (EVs).

“Whatever is put in place should be consistent and national.

“We're not against the spirit of what state governments are proposing but we don't think that it's the right tier of government.

“It’s important to recognise that EVs and other lowemission and hybrid vehicles are paying less or no fuel excise.

“That creates a gap in funding, which traditionally is used for road safety and infrastructure improvements.”

“It's not to say that Governments can't choose to incentivise EVs, but road user charges are probably not the right mechanism to achieve that,” said Kaes Cillessen, the MTA’s Industry and Government Engagement Manager.

The MTA has made a submission in response to the SA Government's Road User Charge for Zero and Low Emission Vehicles consultation document which sets out in simple terms its plan for what some have coined an 'EV Tax'.

“We also have a concern about State Governments getting involved in what's really a federally administered area, which is fuel excise.

“While Governments across Australia look towards the future uptake of electric vehicles, transitioning towards new supply chains, business opportunities and skilling requirements must be prioritised by decision makers,” said MTA CEO, Paul Unerkov.

“It risks double dipping and different jurisdictions creating different market environments for different technologies.

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MTA G R A D UAT I O N A N D AWA R D S C E R E M O NY

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Hayden Bradshaw looked surprised – but nobody else did – when the highly talented 21-year-old was named the 2020 Apprentice of the Year on Friday 11 June.

“I wasn’t expecting it!” said Hayden, who has completed his Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology to become a qualified motor mechanic.

“It’s a great honour, I wouldn’t be here without my family, my boss and the other apprentices.”

The former Ocean View College student from North Haven has embraced life as an MTA apprentice, including time as a member of the MTA’s Motorsport Repair Team at The Bend.

The award recognised his outstanding performance during his four years at host employer, Kym’s Auto Repairs at Birkenhead. In addition to his outstanding skills, he brings an exceptional customer service attitude into the industry.

“My favourite part is just giving back to customers – seeing the smile on a customer’s face when the car is fixed or it comes in not running and leaves

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the workshop running,” he said.

“When they notice the difference once they get it back is very rewarding,” he said in front of a record number of MTA graduates.

Hayden’s achievement capped off a night that included a record 197 graduates and six award winners at the annual South Australian Graduation and Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony at Adelaide Oval.

Another highlight of the night saw Katie Stewart awarded the prestigious Bob Goldsworthy Award for outstanding performance in a body repair apprenticeship.

MTA CEO, Paul Unerkov said “the graduating apprentices are entering the automotive industry at a revolutionary turning point.

“Their apprenticeship has occurred at a time of the biggest change in the automotive industry and with the skills shortage facing the industry in South Australia, their career opportunities are endless!

“An apprenticeship is a rewarding and challenging experience and I thank the apprentices’ family, our training and employment staff, the hosts,

employers and MTA members, who all play a critical role in supporting each graduate.

“The MTA continues to increase the number of automotive graduates each year with a record high 197 graduating apprentices. The MTA is the largest automotive-specific training organisation with over 900 apprentices in training and over 450 employed.”

Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni, the special guest speaker for the evening, said “the journey these apprentices have undertaken over the past four years really sets them up for a successful career in the automotive industry.

“South Australia’s outstanding efforts in controlling COVID-19 and the Marshall Government’s massive investment in skills training has us leading the nation in the creation of paid apprenticeships and traineeships.

“With the combined training subsidies from the Marshall and Morrison Governments worth more than $30,000 for each employer for every new apprentice, there has never been a better time to take on an apprentice or trainee.”

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MTA G R A D UAT I O N A N D AWA R D S C E R E M O NY

MAJOR AWARD WINNERS

The Most Outstanding MTA Training Centre Student is Sam White, hosted at Detrac Diesel.

The 2020 Bob Goldsworthy Award winner is Katie Stewart, hosted at Adelaide Motor Body Repairs.

The Most Outstanding 1st Year Apprentice is Lachlan Milne, hosted at Southern Vales Nissan.

The Most Outstanding 2nd Year apprentice is Brett Cooley, hosted at Willinspect.

The Most Outstanding 3rd Year Apprentice is James Sparrow, hosted at Rowell and Searle.

The MTA 2020 Apprentice of the Year Hayden Bradshaw, hosted at Kym’s Auto Repairs.

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MTA G R A D UAT I O N A N D AWA R D S C E R E M O NY

2020 MTA GRADUATING APPRENTICES

These young men and women have accomplished what they set out to do four years ago. Congratulations graduated apprentices, you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves.

We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

AUR30616 CERTIFICATE III IN LIGHT VEHICLE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY Aden Doherty

Dylan King

Jett Seehusen

Mason Peglar

Samuel Rickard

Aidan Birtles

Dylan Mitchell

Joel Smedley

Mathew Hurley

Scott Pawson

Angelo Lepore

Dylan Robinson

Joel Young

Michael Carson

Sean Ciechanowicz

Ayden Poulton

Glenn Torbet

Jordan Burt

Michael Parish

Sean Davies

Benjamin Pape

Hayden Bradshaw

Jordan Butt

Miguel Winkler

Seth Shalders

Bradley Brown

Heath Macfarlan

Jordan Tasker

Nguyen Vu

Stefan Woroniak

Brodie Hastwell

Isaac Chesher

Joseph Hooper

Oliver Satour

Thomas Flage

Callum Onley

Jack Kowald

Joshua Munn

Patrick Carrig

Thomas Williams

Charles Kovacs

Jack Sutherland

Joshua Petrie

Paul Ziersch

Timothy Mammone

Cody Page

Jack Townsend

Jourdan Robinson

Philip Bamford

Toby Mills

Dale Hall

Jackson Hunter

Justin Mienie

Philip McBride

Tony Carofano

Daniel Blackley

Jaiden Roberts

Kane Chapman

Rhys Arias

Travis O’Keefe

David Duncan

Jake Morgan

Karl Stead

Richard Adaya

Ty Pearce

Dean Russell

James Hutchinson

Lachlan Woollatt

Riley Allwood

William Cook

Dean Tonge

Jason Patty

Lambros Tsolomytis

Ryan Barraclough

William Crockett

Dylan Adams

Jesse Furniss

Lee Moore

Ryan Bernardo

William Mitchell

Dylan Houston-Francis

Jesse Giles

Martin Owen

Samuel Pring

Zak Heasman

AUR31116 CERTIFICATE III IN HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY Alex Kerley

Christopher Quinsey

Jack Manganiello

Joel Porter

Mitchell Stone

Andrew Crettenden

Cooper Peaston

Jacob Liebelt

John Dempsey

Robert Tomalin

Bradley Gehlken

Darcy Guerin Hanlon

Jacob Pix

Joshua Bell

Russell Noack

Brett Jenkin

Dwyane VanGelder

Jake Coenraad

Joshua Harkins

Stephen Ordish

Callum Christensen

Francis Hansman

Jayden Carrigg

Luke Hondrovasilopoulos

Tyler Field

Christopher Polkinghorne

Ivan Quinlan

Joel Hann

Matthew Boots

William Williams-Ailmore

AUR30316 CERTIFICATE III IN AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY Brandon Ballinger-Mason

Kayden O’Brien

RTO 2293 MTA. Visit www.skills.sa.gov.au  for eligibility and subsidy criteria.

Matthew Drummond

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MTA G R A D UAT I O N A N D AWA R D S C E R E M O NY

AUR32416 CERTIFICATE III IN AUTOMOTIVE REFINISHING TECHNOLOGY Alexie Mansell

Daven Jenkins

Jake Deering

Ryan Robinson

Angus Renshaw

Dillon Eggelton

Lachlan Moseley

Seamus Fitzgerald

Bailey Cronin

Dominic Driz

Luke Rainsford-Green

Shannon Boulton

Braden McHendrie

Edin Hodzic

Matthew Smith

Shar Axleby

Caitlin Brodie

Emilio Apelo

Megan Crisp

Tyson Long

Camron Cole

Hayden Andersen

Oliver Simpson

Daniel Jones

Jackson Dowie

Peter Nikopoulos

AUR32116 CERTIFICATE III IN AUTOMOTIVE BODY REPAIR TECHNOLOGY Adam Edwards

Beau Hastings

Braden Semmens

Laurence Nicholls

Om Rai

Adam Pulford

Beau Neale

Elias Tuuri

Matthew Oldroyd

Sayed Kazimi

Aidan Kennett

Ben Leeton

Joshua Print

Mujtaba Sultani

Timothy Pomery

AUR30416 CERTIFICATE III IN AGRICULTURAL MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY Brandon Kelly

Connor Buckby

Dayna Florance

Joshua Francis

Braydon Irrgang

Damian Chaplin

Harrison Ford

Lachlan Brinkmann

Brodie Koch

Daniel Gregory

Harry Ronan

Nathan Sracek

Ryan Helling

AUR31016 CERTIFICATE III IN AUTOMOTIVE SALES Adrian Dempsey

Benjamin Worley

Jessica Pretlove

Rikeeli Klante

Alana Creek

Bradley Starke

Monique Woer

Sarah Brands

Angus Sharpe

Jesse Maynard

Nathan Bruce

Shalene Kimber

Wade Ogg

AUR31216 CERTIFICATE III IN MOBILE PLANT TECHNOLOGY Aaron Dawson

Harry Parker

Jonas Stankevicius

Nathan Lambert

Christopher Modra

James McLean

Jordan Stubbs

Oliver Goodman

Connor Briscoe-Dowden

James Medhurst

Joshua Sherriff

Shaun Smith

AUR30516 CERTIFICATE III IN MARINE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY Mason Durnell

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RTO 2293 MTA. Visit www.skills.sa.gov.au  for eligibility and subsidy criteria.

22

MTA G R A D UAT I O N A N D AWA R D S C E R E M O NY

Master Ceremonies: Master of Ceremonies: Master ofof Ceremonies: Master of Ceremonies: Rebecca Morse (SAFM Radio Host) Rebecca Morse (SAFM Radio Host) Rebecca Morse (SAFM Radio Host) Rebecca Morse (SAFM Radio Host) Guest Speaker: Guest Speaker: Guest Speaker: Guest Speaker: Hon David Pisoni MP, The Minister for Innovation and Skills Hon David Pisoni MP, The Minister for Innovation and Skills Hon David Pisoni MP, The Minister for Innovation and Skills Hon David Pisoni MP, The Minister for Innovation and Skills Master of Ceremonies: Master Master ofAddress: Ceremonies: of Ceremonies: Closing Address: Closing Address: Closing Closing Address: Rebecca Morse (SAFM Radio Host) Rebecca Rebecca Morse Morse (SAFM (SAFM Radio Radio Host) Host) Paul Unerkov (CEO the Motor Trade Association SA/NT) Paul Unerkov (CEO of the Motor Trade Association of SA/NT) Paul Unerkov (CEO ofof the Motor Trade Association ofof SA/NT) Paul Unerkov (CEO of the Motor Trade Association of SA/NT) Guest Speaker: Guest Guest Speaker: Speaker: Event Sponsor and Skills Hon David Pisoni MP, The Minister for Innovation HonHon David David Pisoni Pisoni MP,MP, TheThe Minister Minister for for Innovation Innovation andand Skills Skills

Master of Ceremonies: Rebecca Morse (SAFM Radio Host) Guest Speaker: Hon David Pisoni MP, The Minister for Innovation and Skills Closing Address: Paul Unerkov (CEO of the Motor Trade Association of SA/NT)

Closing Address: Closing Closing Address: Address: Paul Unerkov (CEO of the Motor Trade Association of SA/NT) Paul Paul Unerkov Unerkov (CEO (CEO of the of the Motor Motor Trade Trade Association Association of SA/NT) of SA/NT) Event Sponsor Event Sponsor Event Sponsor Event Sponsor

Event Sponsor Gold Sponsors Gold Sponsors Gold Sponsors Event Event Sponsor Sponsor Gold Sponsors Event Sponsor

WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Silver Sponsor Silver Sponsor Silver Sponsor Silver Sponsor Gold Sponsors Gold Gold Sponsors Sponsors

Gold Sponsors EVENT SPONSOR

Bronze Sponsors

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SA Apprentice of the Year 2019

GOLD SPONSORS

Bronze Sponsors Bronze Sponsors Bronze Sponsors Bronze Silver Sponsors Sponsor Silver Silver Sponsor Sponsor

Silver Sponsor S I LV E R SPONSOR

Jason Patty

BRONZE SPONSORS

MTA Graduation & Apprentice Awards

Bronze Sponsors Bronze Bronze Sponsors Sponsors

MTA Apprenticeships

Motor Trade Association of SA/NT

MTA Apprenticeships

Motor Trade Association of SA/NT

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The MTA is your Apprentice Recruitment Solution

The MTA is making apprentice hiring easy for automotive businesses so you can get on with running your workshop.

$

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O F MI N D

PEA

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Portside Mitsubishi Service Manager, Dylan Morris said, “It’s easy taking on a MTA apprentice.

Portside finds if we get apprentices through other avenues, they just aren’t as good.”

Our hosting fees will cover your apprentice’s superannuation, annual and sick leave, personal development, safety gear and tools, counselling services, wages and payroll tax.

You don’t even pay the apprentice while they’re at Trade School or on Leave either.

If you are looking for a well-supported automotive apprentice, the MTA’s GTO can assist you. by calling

8241 0522 or emailing

jpolgreen@mtasant.com.au

MTA135.2SEP20

Contact Jason Polgreen, GM Apprentice Employment Services,

24

A P P R E NT I C E S AT W O R K

APPRENTICES AT WORK Cooper Fabris - Jarvis Skoda.

Daniel Boddington - Jarvis Skoda.

New starters Reece Vidler (Cornes Toyota), Michael Coggins (Australian Crash Repairs) and Sebastian Forzisi (Jarvis Toyota).

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A P P R E NT I C E S AT W O R K Nicholas Van Kaatchoven - Solitaire Automotive.

Alex Kerley and his host employer, Leon Duns.

Gage Hartup - Solitaire Automotive.

(L-R) Talia Redan from Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE), Bianca Di Manno from Mas, apprentices Tre Linsell (Mitsibits Lonsdale) and Declan Carter (Jarvis Subaru Tanunda) with Lyn North from DESE.

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26

SKILLS

NEW RTO MANAGEMENT TEAM ON THE BLOCK!

THE MTA’S REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATION (RTO) HAS BEEN EVOLVING QUICKLY THIS YEAR, WITH A NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM DEDICATED TO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT.

(L-R) Jodi Ryan, Emma Horbury, Alana Sparrow and Victoria Griffith.

Leading this new team and stepping into the newly created role of General Manager Automotive Skills Development, Alana Sparrow has a vision of creating meaningful change in the MTA’s RTO. Alana said, “My approach is about prioritising customer service for apprentices, hosts and employers and also ensuring that we provide uncompromising quality in the training we deliver.”

“Everyone will notice an increase in the frequency and accuracy of the communication they receive, as well as more requests for feedback – I am very eager to hear from everyone associated with our training about what we are doing well and what we can improve.”

“Our RTO also needs to be training in the technology of the future. We need to ensure that we have qualified technicians ready to go as that technology is adopted by industry. Shortly, our apprentices, hosts and employers will

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see more offerings from the MTA’s RTO to train and equip them for the automotive industry of the future.”

Expanding on the MTA’s evolving training, Alana said, “2021 sees the introduction of the new AUR20 training package.

This means that all of the apprentices currently training with us (as at 1 July 2021), and any new ones who start, will be taught a different curriculum than the current one.

Updating the material and assessments is no small task, but the challenge has also provided us with an opportunity to improve the overall student experience.”

The updating of the MTA’s training packages requires a strong focus on compliance and this is where the RTO’s new Quality and Compliance Manager, Jodi Ryan, steps in.

Jodi said, “Our compliance focus will see the MTA develop best practice training and assessment resources to support the next generation of automotive specialists.”

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SKILLS

“I started in RTO’s as a trainer back in 2005. Within a year, I was developing resources and programs. In 2007, I started to focus on compliance and have worked at various RTO’s and GTO’s across Adelaide since then, including Hospitality Group Training (HGT), Sport SA and PEER. I really enjoy the challenging environment compliance offers and being able to drive a continuous improvement model to develop a best practice training and assessment approach for students.”

“We are rolling out the new training packages in the second half of this year for all our trades and are consulting on new training products, including new qualifications for Battery Electric Vehicles, which is very exciting news for local automotive businesses.”

Supporting the next generation of automotive technicians also requires front line customer service to ensure that apprentices, hosts and employers are receiving correct information - Welcome Emma Horbury, the RTO’s new Customer Service Team Manager.

Emma said, “I have worked in RTO’s my whole career, most recently as Customer Service Team Leader at PEER, which is where I first came into contact with the MTA. I was asked to assist with the introduction of a new student management system. Having managed people who deliver customer service on the front line, I am acutely aware of the importance of getting the little things right like making sure people turn up where they are meant to and have what they need to succeed. It’s really important to achieving positive student outcomes.”

The new team have also been working tirelessly on the new training schedule for the second half of 2021 to make sure scheduling mistakes of the past are not repeated.

Emma said, “When the new team came on board, we heard loud and clear about the areas where the RTO had let students, hosts and employers down in the past. While we couldn’t change everything overnight, I am confident that the second half of the year will be a much smoother experience for everyone involved.”

“The new team has a good history and a vision to improve the quality of service at the RTO.” Ensuring that the positive direction the MTA’s RTO is taking also requires a person to lead the overall training of the

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MTA’s apprentices and Victoria Griffith is the latest to join the RTO’s management team as Head of Automotive Training.

“Everyone will notice an increase in the frequency and accuracy of the communication they receive, as well as more requests for feedback...”

Victoria said, “My background in law and teaching provides a useful combination when leading a team of educators, who need to be creative and innovative but also operate within a strictly regulated field. I believe a balance can be achieved and I am excited to join the MTA’s RTO as we plot out this journey.”

“Every learner’s experience is important and we want to inspire, invigorate and grow the current and future generations of automotive specialists so our industry can thrive.”

“My approach will be to lead based on a culture of quality; training and coaching staff across all levels of the organisation. This will ultimately ensure future growth and sustainability in what the new team is trying to achieve.”

The key to everything the MTA’s RTO does ultimately revolves around our outstanding training staff.

Alana said, “The best part of our RTO is the trainers!”

“I have worked in one way or another around registered training for most of my career and I have never come across such a passionate group of trainers who are amazing at what they do. They are dedicated to producing the best possible automotive technicians – they are phenomenal.”

“I want our customers to know that we are listening.”

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28

INDUSTRY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING

SKILL SHORTAGES ADDRESSED AT RECENT INDUSTRY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING

The latest Industry Advisory Council (IAC) meeting held at the Lion Hotel was a productive morning for all division chairs, deputy chairs, zone chairs, board members and MTA staff to discuss skill shortages across the automotive industry, amongst many other current issues.

The meeting was opened with a presentation from the Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni MP covering the Government of South Australia’s response to the skill shortages how they intend on creating future jobs and growth in the automotive sector.

It was an informative presentation, with numerous members taking the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the topics of skilled migration, adult apprenticeships, MTA Group Training Organisation (GTO) activities and raise ideas such as the possibility of introducing a retired mentors scheme for young apprentices.

What was certain to all in the room was the need for us as an industry to change the perception of automotive courses against university study – making them appear on equal terms will encourage numbers to follow their passion, reassuring those interested that there are endless opportunities in our industry brought on by rapidly evolving tech that requires the brightest of minds.

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Following this, the group heard from guest speaker for the Department for Education’s Industry Engagement Consultant, Systems Performance, Further Education and Pathways, Rachael Jensen, on the topic of school pathways and how they aim to fix the current Vocational Education and Training (VET) system in our schools.

Rachael was an engaging presenter and the room embraced the new ideas she has brought to the table, all with the aim to get students out experiencing industries earlier in their education and having a better understanding of what awaits them if they were to take a certain path.

The MTA’s General Manager Apprentice Employment Services, Jason Polgreen, who is also a former MTA apprentice, talked through his latest work with a range of stakeholders in the VET space to identify challenges and develop strategies to address current and future industry skills gaps.

The wider group then entered discussion led by MTA CEO Paul Unerkov, and MTA Chairman Frank Agostino, to share their current challenges and debate the priorities for the MTA, industry and government to address skill shortages.

There was a general agreement that encouraging more work experience can only be a good thing, but vetting

those interested and potentially having them exposed to different areas of automotive first before they make a decision on what type of business they complete their experience at would be helpful for all parties.

Getting out to as many schools as possible, along with finding teachers and parents who are willing to champion our industry is the goal – with so many schools and fierce competition, there’s a long road ahead.

Mature age apprenticeships is another area members believe to be worth focusing on, with many mentioning the option has worked out for the better in their own businesses.

After much robust discussion, the IAC settled on recommending to the board three priority areas to focus efforts on when it comes to the current skill shortages: • S chool pathways, which includes a combination of work experience and industry working with schools directly.

• M ature age apprenticeships and the possibility of creating an employment board.

• Trade assistant qualifications.

The next IAC meeting will focus on the effects of emerging and future technology on the automotive industry.

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MEMBER SERVICES

BUSINESS PARTNERS INDEX APPRENTICE HOSTING

PRINTING & GRAPHIC DESIGN

MTA Group Training Organisation

P: 8241 0522 | adminroyalpark@ mtasant.com.au 

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.

MTA Print

P: 8440 2666 | print@ mtasant.com.au  | mtasant.com.au/ print-stationery 

EFTPOS FACILITIES Commonwealth Bank

P: 13 22 21

The MTA offers ultra-competitive EFTPOS transaction rates for members through our partnership with Commonwealth Bank. Please contact the Commonwealth Bank to find out the latest deal.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE Access Programs Employee Assistance Program

P: 8215 6799 | accesssa.com.au 

Services to MTA members at the sessional rate of $135 (plus GST) without any retainer. Five convenient locations: Adelaide, Bedford Park, Elizabeth, Salisbury, Noarlunga. Phone appointments are also available.

SAFETY SIGNS SOS Safety Signs

P: (08) 8266 3600 | sossafetysigns.com. au 

P: 8291 2000 | wr@ mtasant.com.au 

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.

Spirit Super

P: 1300 362 415 | spiritsuper.com.au 

MTA Registered Training Organisation

Officeworks

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, as well as free delivery across South Australia including regional areas, excluding large or bulky items.

PARTS BUYING

P: 8241 0522 | adminroyalpark@ mtasant.com.au 

P: 1800 EASIER (1800 327 437)

WORKPLACE COMPLIANCE MTA Audits

The MTA can provide WHS & HR workplace inspections and provide recommendations and support to fill the gaps required.

P: 8291 2000 | wr@ mtasant.com.au 

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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 Training

Capricorn

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.

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 1300 362 415 or visit spiritsuper.com.au/Employers/supportfor-your-business  You should consider the PDS in making a decision.

UPSKILLING TRAINING

OFFICE SUPPLIES

officeworks.com.au/ mtasa 

No matter the size of your workplace, safety signs are vital for ensuring the safety of your employees. Whether you are directing them where to go, restricting certain areas or alerting them to hazards, SOS Safety Signs has all your signage needs covered.

SUPERANNUATION

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVICE GreenStamp

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 ($27 trade plate covers), an in-house graphic designer for your logos, 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.

P: 8291 2000 | wr@mtasant.com.au 

MTA offers courses designed to help manage people, ensure compliance, navigate the complex regulatory environment & tackle difficult workplace issues.

Courses include WHS & Safe Work Compliance, Show Me the Money (Debt recovery in your business), Worker’s Compensation - The good, the bad and the ugly, Bullying - Behaving badly, Electrical Testing & Tagging, Emergency Warden (Fire Warden Training), HVNL (Chain of Responsibility), Employment Contract Essentials, Tough Talks, Workplace Relations, Paying your Staff Correctly, Refund, Repair or Replace (Australian Consumer Law) Training, Performance Management, Misconduct & Discipline and Christmas Essentials. Members receive a discounted price on courses.

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30

ADVOCACY

CHANGES TO CASUAL EMPLOYMENT On Friday 26 March 2021, the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act) was amended to change workplace rights and obligations for casual employees. The changes were made by the Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia’s Jobs and Economic Recovery) Act 2021 (Amendment Act).

These changes were the one remaining change from the proposed IR Reform Omnibus Bill, which in turn arose from the IR Reform working groups.

casual employees a copy of the CEIS as soon as possible after 27 March 2021. Other employers have to give their existing casual employees a copy of the CEIS as soon as possible after 27 September 2021.

Members can download the Casual Employment Information Statement from the MTA member portal or from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website.

DEFINITION OF A CASUAL EMPLOYEE

These changes came into effect on Saturday 27 March 2021.

The FW Act has been amended to include a new definition of a casual employee.

What’s changed?

Under the new definition, a person is a casual employee if they accept a job offer from an employer knowing that there is no firm advance commitment to ongoing work with an agreed pattern of work.

The Amendment Act introduces a: • Casual Employment Information Statement • definition of casual employment • p athway for casual employees to move to full-time or part-time (permanent) employment.

CASUAL EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION STATEMENT Employers have to give every new casual employee a Casual Employment Information Statement (the CEIS) before, or as soon as possible after, they start their new job.

Small business employers need to give their existing

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Once employed as a casual, an employee will continue to be a casual employee until they either: • b ecome a permanent employee through: o casual conversion, or o are offered and accept the offer of full-time

or part-time employment, or • stop being employed by the employer.

EXISTING CASUAL EMPLOYEES Casuals who were employed immediately before 27 March 2021 and whose initial employment offer meets the new

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ADVOCACY

definition continue to be casual employees under the FW Act.

to make and respond to offers. There are also rules for offering casual conversion to existing casual employees.

BECOMING A PERMANENT EMPLOYEE

Casual employees have a right to request to convert to full-time or part-time (permanent) employment in some circumstances. This applies:

The Amendment Act adds a new entitlement to the National Employment Standards (NES) giving casual employees a pathway to become a full-time or part-time (permanent) employee. This is also known as 'casual conversion'.

An employer (other than a small business employer) has to offer their casual employee to convert to full-time or part-time (permanent) when the employee: • has worked for their employer for 12 months • h as worked a regular pattern of hours for at least the last 6 of those months on an ongoing basis • c ould continue working those hours as a permanent employee without significant changes.

Some exceptions apply, including: • small business employers • i f an employer has ‘reasonable grounds’ not to make an offer to a casual employee for casual conversion.

MAKING AND RESPONDING TO OFFERS AND REQUESTS There are rules for how employers and employees need

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• f or casual employees working for a small business – at any time if they meet the requirements • f or other casual employees – after their employer has decided not to make an offer for casual conversion.

TAKING LEGAL ACTION There is a new avenue to resolve some disputes about casual conversion through the Federal Circuit Court.

When an employee is described as casual, but through court proceedings it is determined that they are not casual, the Amendment Act also introduces a new rule that requires a court to reduce any amounts that the employee could be entitled to by reference to casual loading amounts already paid by the employer to the employee to compensate for those entitlements.

If members need assistance with the new casual provisions, please contact the WR team on wr@mtasant. com.au , or on 8291 2000, or attend one of our training sessions on Workplace Relations or Paying your Staff Correctly.

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32

A FREE ADVERTISING SECTION FOR MTA MEMBERS

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PHIL KERR SERVICE CENTRE DARWIN CITY. Sick of the cold southern weather? Come up to ‘North of Adelaide’ for some warmth!

Check our website www.pkservicecentre.com. au . Opportunity Knocks. We are looking for an experienced Mechanic with a great attitude.

We specialise in brakes and clutches. Lots of daily job variety. Give Mark a call on 8981 4630 and discuss your options.

FULL-TIME POSITION AVAILABLE - Great pay, family business. Mechanic or Auto Electrician position. In Port Lincoln SA - come for a sea change. Contact Luke 08 8683 4500, Mortlock Motors.

ACCESSORY FITTER IRON MAN - Experience across a range of vehicles: bull bars, towbars, spotlights and suspension kits.

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNICIAN/MOTOR MECHANIC - fully qualified - completed 4-year apprenticeship (any makes or models) with a driver’s licence. Resume for either position to tfabres@australianmotors.com.au .

Attractive salary including bonus scheme.

SERVICE MANAGER: Bascombe AutoAg are a family owned agricultural machinery dealership in Cummins, established in 2003. If you love being organised, are great with people and think you have what it takes to run a busy workshop, we would love to hear from you. Contact Scott 0427 762 980 or sales@bascombeautoag.com. au .

MECHANIC WANTED - Puma Jabiru is looking for an experienced mechanic to join our fully equipped workshop. Great outdoor lifestyle - camping, fishing, golfing, hiking, 4WD. Accommodation provided. Above award wages, tool allowance and additional AANT call out wages. 2.5 hours to Darwin. Wages negotiable for experienced candidates. Current HR Licence.

Send resume to manager@bpjabiru.com.au .

FULL-TIME WORKSHOP MECHANIC AND FLOOR MANAGER. Salary, allowances and overtime hours (if requested). Mechanical experience 10+ years and ideally some managerial experience.

Contact Matt Raschella at matthewraschella1@ gmail.com  or call 8262 3847.

QUALIFIED/EXPERIENCED MECHANIC AND TYRE FITMENT EXPERT required at Midas Auto Services - Port Adelaide. Automotive background essential. Must be motivated and able to work unsupervised. Own tools. Good communication skills. The successful applicant will receive above award wages in a well-equipped

mtasant.com.au

October 2021 Motor Trade magazine: Email your listing of no more than 50 words to Madelaine at mraschella@boylen by Friday 3 September 2021.

workshop. Please email your resume to sales@portadelaide.midas.com.au .

LOCAL AND INTERSTATE WORK WANTED. Mack Trans Australia. Drop decks-tautlinersfloats-flattops-extendable trailers-Tippers.

Fully accredited. Defence, mining, remote area and general freight. SA/NSA/VIC: 0457 905 559 or chris@macktransaustralia.com.au . QLD, Mackay: 0400 891 769 or geoffrey@ macktransaustralia.com.au . WA, Karratha: 0448 643 888 or elliott@macktransaustralia. com.au . WA, Perth: 0417 900 512 or perthops@macktransaustralia.com.au .

QUALIFIED DIESEL MECHANIC WANTED. Casual or full-time option available. Please contact 08 8465 7380 or pipli@pipli.com.au .

PANEL BEATER REQUIRED. We are looking for an experienced and qualified Panel Beater to join our team. We are a 50-year-old family-owned business-only 35 minutes from the city on the new Northern Expressway. Phone Willaston Auto Body Repairs on 8522 2287.

ADELAIDE VEHICLE CENTRE is seeking sales trainees due to expansion. Please contact David Vincent at avcsales@bigpond.com .

WSB DISTRIBUTORS is looking for Agricultural Diesel and Service Technicians for our Jamestown dealership. For further details head to our Facebook page. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to hr@wsb.com.au .

SALES REPRESENTATIVE – AUTOMOTIVE PAINTS. We are seeking a suitably experienced sales representative to work within our business.

Providing PPG painting advice, tinting, technical & practical demonstrations to customers.

Previous experience in the automotive paint industry essential. An attractive salary package including superannuation, company vehicle and phone provided. Email judy@palmerstonpaint. com.au .

WANTED TO SELL JLG LIFTPOD FOR SALE $650ono. Good used condition. Battery needs repacking, but unit works with drill. Photos on request. Email goolwacaravancentre@gmail.com .

NEW SET 18” ALLOY WHEELS from new Nissan Patrol. $125 each or $400 for the set. 22-ton cap air/hydraulic jack, only used couple of times, surplus to requirements, $400. Contact John (08) 8349 9934 at Adelaide Brake & Mechanical.

TURBOWASH LARGE INDUSTRIAL 3 PHASE, PARTS WASHER. No longer required, in good working order when put in storage.

Any reasonable offer considered. Contact Saddleworth Motors on 08 8847 4185 and speak to Rod or Josh for more information.

MITSUBISHI TRITON DUAL CAB BODY FOR SALE - Off Model MR GLX + Current model MR Triton in new condition. Complete body with lights and reversing sensors. White paint. $600 delivered, depending on location. Call 0427 282 251.

BUSINESS FOR SALE - PORT VINCENT AUTO AND TYRE SERVICES. Including all plant and equipment, and free hold property. Lucrative hire boat business with 4 hire boats included. 3 hire trailers, 2 loan cars, Toyota Hilux field service vehicle and forklift. Fantastic sales and profit figures. Owners preparing to retire. Call Geoff on 0418 804 604 for more information.

WHYALLA BUSINESS FOR SALE. Natrad Franchise. Radiators, air-conditioning, mechanical services and repairs. Including log book services to all makes and models.

All enquiries, call 0428 844 605.

NISSWRECK – Nissan & Renault Specialists.

Now dismantling all makes and models: 4x4, commercial and passenger cars. European vehicles also in stock. Need it fast? We have it on the shelf! 59 South Terrace, Wingfield SA 5013.

08 83470111, sales@nisswreck.com.au , www.nisswreck.com.au .

THE DIRT OFF ROAD CAMPERS has Adelaide’s best and largest range of off-road hybrid vans.

CCIASA Award Winning Dealer. For more details go to www.thedirt4wd.com.au  or visit our showroom at 26 Light Cres, Mt Barker SA. SA OIL RECOVERY. Parts washer solvent 4 sale. Free waste oil collection. Rag and oil filter collection. Phone 0408 876 552.

CARAVANNING & CAMPER TRAILER NEEDS Refurbishing a new or old caravan? Need parts or advice? Want to book a service or repair? Looking for a new or used van? Contact Dario Caravans & Repairs, 08 8277 4388 or info@dariocaravans. com.au . We are here to help with all your Caravanning & Camper Trailer needs.

2 MGB ROADSTERS 1975 & 1979. In need of repair. Good project cars. Minimum parts needed. Sell together, best offer. Contact Kees 8371 2833.

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33

A FREE ADVERTISING SECTION FOR MTA MEMBERS

ALTERNATORS $44 HEADLIGHTS $41 DISC BRAKE ROTORS $27 RADIATORS $74 CHEAPEST PARTS IN SA - 7 Days a Week Lonsdale, Elizabeth and Gillman. DOORS $99 TAILLIGHTS $39 GAS STRUTS $14. Stock List online at upullit.com.au .

WANTED TO BUY WRECKING PLUS MORE. One of South Australia’s largest auto recyclers. We recycle most makes and models from the 60’s to current. Always buying wrecked, defected, end of life vehicles, cars, trucks, buses, utes, 4x4 and SUV. Locations at Greenacers, Lonsdale, Port Wakefield and Port Augusta. Contact pw@wreckingplusmore.com. au  or call 8369 1111.

NISSAN & DATSUN DISMANTLERS. We have/ want NISSAN: Pulsar * Tiida * Skyline * Micra * Bluebird * Pintara * Silvia * Maxima DATSUN 1000, 1200, 120y, SUNNY 1600 180b, 200b, 240k Bluebird & Stanza models in all body types *NISSAN 4X4, van & utes. Wrecking late model NISSAN Xtrail, Daulis. FREE CAR PICK UP. Grand Auto Wreckers - NISSAN & DATSUN SPECIALISTS www.grandauto.com.au  or call 8382 6066.

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 upullit.com.au/sellyour-car .

ASSOCIATION INFO MOTOR TRADE ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN / Frank Agostino CEO / Paul Unerkov GM MEMBER SOLUTIONS / Darrell Jacobs GM APPRENTICE CAREERS / Jason Polgreen GM AUTOMOTIVE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT / Alana Sparrow 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 

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PUBLISHING INFO BOYLEN

Advertising / sales@boylen.com.au Layout / Madelaine Raschella Elliott P (08) 8233 9433 boylen.com.au 

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