From the desk of the CEO transformations occurring in the sector. The convention attracts high-calibre speakers including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, and the Shadow Assistant Treasurer Dr Andrew Leigh. Minister McCormack addressed the infrastructure projects underway whilst Dr Leigh announced that a Labor Government would implement an industry specific code to address the power imbalance between franchised new car dealers and vehicle manufacturers. AADA welcomed this commitment for the Automotive Code of Conduct which is its policy position. I must tell members, that the AADA’s Chairman Terry Keating at such forums acknowledges the contribution of MTA Queensland in the establishment of that Association. Members will recall that we made a submission to the Senate Select Committee on Electric Vehicles. Following the submission, I gave evidence at a hearing in Brisbane on the 27th September. In my opening statement to the Committee, I said that ‘opportunities would arise through electric vehicles and other emerging technologies that will present economic, environmental and social benefits that go beyond what we currently consider possible. These will include alternate power generation source, battery manufacturing, battery recycling, car and parts recycling, car manufacturing and the use of 3D printing in ways only limited by our imagination. If we move quickly, Australia could be a global manufacturing force. This will depend on business and consumers having the confidence in the economy to either invest or purchase.’ 6 | Motor Trader October 2018
“THE EXECUTIVE TEAM IS
GOING THROUGH A BUSY PERIOD AND I THANK THEM FOR FINALISING THEIR ANNUAL REPORTS WHICH WILL ASSIST WITH MEETING PRINTING TIMEFRAMES AND HAVING THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.” INDUSTRY In last month’s From the Desk of the CEO, I referred to Block2 - technology which is a sharing platform that enables business to create resilience, particularly in modern operating environments. In the coming month, the Block2 technology will present the technology platform to the Executive Committee. I’ll keep the membership appraised of developments.
AND THE LAST THING Over the coming month, I’ll continue to focus on the challenges and opportunities that need attention and to represent the Association at various stakeholder meetings and events. The Executive Team is going through a busy period and I thank them for finalising their annual reports which will assist with meeting printing timeframes and having the information available to members as soon as possible. On reflection of their reports it would be amiss of me not to acknowledge their significant contributions over the past 12 months which collectively have impacted the positive position of the Association. Until next month, as Henry Ford, the industrialist and the founder of the Ford motor company said, ‘execute ideas with enthusiasm . . . as it is the bottom of all progress’.