Independent mechanics say they are still struggling to gain access to vital vehicle information they need to do their jobs.
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Labor Senator Deborah O’Neill was in the city on Friday and raised the issue while visiting the Wagga Ultra Tune business.
Tom Pearson, who is the lead mechanic at Ultra Tune, said despite this issue having been publicly discussed for some time, independent mechanics – those who worked outside the workshops of dealerships – still struggled to get access to essential vehicle details, such as service information and error logs.
“In the automotive industry, when it comes to the newer sort of cars, there can be a struggle with not being being able to do our jobs properly if we can’t get access to the right information,” he said.
“We have all the tools, all the equipment, all the computer software, but we just can’t do what is needed to do to finish the job.”
Mr Pearson said independent mechanics remained an important part of the automotive industry.
“We are giving the customers a choice. We’re just trying to be a part of the community,” he said.
Rod Whitlock, who is also an independent Wagga mechanic, said the situation “can be tricky”.
Mr Whitlock said there had been some improvements on the issue, but he said there was still some work independent mechanics could not do simply because they were unable to get necessary software and code information.
“There’s still some work to do on this," he said.
Senator O’Neill said people should be “concerned about the lack of action on this issue” called on Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack to act.
“When you live out here in regional Australia it’s hard enough to get the service from a mechanic that you really trust. You should be forced to go to a car manufacturing distributor to get your car fixed. You should be able to chose your own mechanic," Senator O’Neill said.
Mr McCormack said the government would announce its response after considering an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission review.
“I personally have met with a number of local repairers and with national stakeholders, including the vehicle manufacturers and dealers associations,” he said.
