Client:

  • Motor Trades Association of Australia

Timeframe:

November 2014 through to November 2015

BGA is now working with Automotive Skills Australia. This work commenced December 2015, with a completion date of December 2016.

Project Overview:

BGA was engaged by the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) to undertake a coordinated approach to develop a complete repositioning strategy for the automotive industry. This project included qualifying and quantifying issues and developing whole-of-industry responses that adequately address:

  • unprecedented change impacting every sector of the Australian automotive industry;
  • the real contribution of the entire automotive industry to the economic wellbeing of Australia;
  • inefficiencies, duplication, ad-hoc and uncoordinated policy responses to changing industry operations, and the lack of any Federal Government Policy Framework or long term plan for the industry
  • policy approaches to address the challenges posed by global influences including climate change, alternative propulsion technologies, the convergence of mobility and ICT, the benefits and consequences of advanced technology application
  • Australia’s continuing reliance on road transport for the foreseeable future
  • the immediate actions required to assist industry and sector restructuring
  • longer-term policy framework for Government investment, regulation, and co-contribution to provide certainty and surety.

Project elements included:

  • Consultative process with member organisations and other key stakeholders
  • Preparation of a Senate Submission into the inquiry into the ‘future of Australia’s automotive industry’
  • National Summit on the future of the automotive industry
  • Strategic Framework for Action

Project Outcomes:

Consultation – through the delivery of workshops and one-on-one interviews, BGA determined and developed positions on key themes, ensuring peak industry players reached consensus on areas of mutual interest/agreement. A thorough analysis of the current state of industry, industry/sector future and requirements, and what action was required by industry and that of the Federal Government provided the foundation for the strategic framework.

Preparation of Senate Submission to the inquiry into the ‘future of Australia’s automotive industry – driving jobs and investment’ – BGA took primary charge in preparing the draft submission and other elements for the MTAA. The examination included matters set out in the inquiry terms of reference; information gathered from consultations with industry; the latest industry, enterprise and government research; and international developments.

The Senate Economic Reference Committee tabled the final report in December 2015. The report incorporated the significant findings of the Australian Automotive National Summit and MTAA submissions.

National Summit – implementation of the augural Australian Automotive National Summit. The summit provided a platform for industry leaders, policy makers and government to elevate national conversations and commit to a plan of action for the future. The Summit was a first for the industry, and resulted in strong representation across industry sectors, including participation by government and policy makers. Speakers included key political figures, industry experts, and business commentators, with a total of 34 speakers over a 10 hour period.

The Summit was structured around the themes that were identified as a result of a successful consultative process:

  1. Whole of Industry Approach
  2. Automotive Skills and Future Workforce
  3. Business Models
  4. Infrastructure
  5. Taxation and User Charging
  6. Improving Competitiveness and Transparency

BGA lead the development of a communiqué from the Summit, outlining the agreed priorities and positions. A key recommendation from the Summit was the establishment of an automotive industry taskforce.

Strategic Framework for Action – the development of a Framework was an essential tool in developing a future national policy response underpinned by a coordinated national approach. It provided the basis for industry to develop sectoral priorities and plan for the future in partnership with governments.

Contact:

For further information about this project, contact Steve Balzary on 0418 215 732