The Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce has made 18 recommendations to government ahead of the state election.  

It wants the next government to support continued development of a mandatory motor vehicle insurance and repair industry code of practice for the state, and a consumer-based code for the body repair industry.  

The chamber says training and skills are an area of concern, noting the industry has been hampered by the prolonged closure of a TasTAFE campus in Hobart after flood damage last December.  

It says this has disrupted the training of at least 200 apprentices and calls for reassurances on a previous $450,000 commitment to build a new facility in the city.  

“We currently have 840 apprentices enrolled in certificate III automotive qualifications at TasTAFE, but without proper facilities, we risk losing the next generation of skilled automotive workers,” chamber state manager Bruce McIntosh said.  

The chamber says regulators should establish a new roadworthiness inspection system that requires checks when a vehicle is sold or transferred to a new owner.  

And it wants the government to help the motor industry as it transitions to low-emissions vehicles by offering relief funding for electricity supply infrastructure and support for alternative fuel development.  

Mr McIntosh says government approaches to policy “must carefully consider the existing automotive retail sector”.  

He added: “Tasmania’s automotive industry is a vital part of our state’s economy, but we’re facing significant challenges that require immediate government support.  

“Our pre-election submission identifies the critical support needed to ensure this industry continues to thrive while adapting to the rapidly changing automotive landscape.”  

Tasmania will hold an election on July 19 after the state parliament backed a no-confidence motion against Premier Jeremy Rockliff.  

See the chamber’s submission here.