The new Federal Labor government released its first budget following the election in May. As many are experiencing in their businesses, the outlook for the economy is defined by risks internationally that are fuelling record inflation locally. While the budget is not as bad as expected back in March, those international risks present a clear danger to Australia’s recovery out of the pandemic.

It is crucial for an organisation like the MTA to continually have the attention of decision makers within Parliament, at Federal, State and Territory levels, to ensure the right policies are put in place for automotive businesses. To this, the MTA and CEO’s from other automotive associations were hosted by Hon. Julie Collins MP, the Federal Minister for Small Business last month.

The 2022-23 Budget provided a range of investments in road safety and electric vehicles but provided little outside of already existing commitments by the new Labor Government from the election. The $1 billion fee-free TAFE policy announced at the election has been budgeted, and the language in the budget allows for “community-based vocational placements”.

This is something the MTA will pursue with the Government to clarify if training for automotive courses at the MTA can fall under this policy. Clearly automotive trades are falling short of demand and it is a critical industry that supports every facet of the Australian economy. With the next Federal, State and Territory Budgets coming in the next 6 months the MTA will be putting forward our list of needs to these governments to ensure automotive businesses and trades are supported in these challenging times.

If businesses have suggestions of policies or programs that the government should be funding to support automotive businesses, they can reach out to the MTA government advocacy team on 8291 2000 or mtaadvocacy@mtasant.com.au.