NFF president and Queensland farmer Hamish McIntyre. Photo: NFF
THE Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s release of a consultation paper seeking feedback on proposed right-to-repair (R2R) reforms for agricultural machinery.
The proposal to expand Australia’s R2R laws to agricultural machinery follows significant engagement by the TMA and its members with governments, industry, and farmers to support practical, safe and workable repair outcomes for Australian farmers.
TMA executive director Gary Northover said the TMA had long supported practical R2R outcomes that reduce downtime for farmers while making sure that agricultural machinery continues to operate safely and reliably.
“The TMA and its members have worked constructively with industry and government to advance solutions that support Australian farmers,” Mr Northover said.
“Our members are committed to supporting farmers with safe, productive machinery solutions that improve reliability and minimise downtime.
“We welcome the government progressing this consultation process and look forward to contributing constructively to reforms that improve access to repair information, strengthen competition and deliver practical benefits for farmers.”
Mr Northover said the Australian agricultural machinery industry had already been making progress toward improving right to repair access and support arrangements in line with international developments.
“This consultation is an opportunity to build on those efforts through a balanced framework that improves repair outcomes while protecting safety and equipment integrity.
“The TMA looks forward to working with governments, farmers and industry throughout this process to deliver strong and effective outcomes for Australian agriculture.”
NFF response
The National Farmers’ Federation has also welcomed the Federal Government’s move.
NFF president Hamish McIntyre said the announcement reflected years of advocacy by the NFF and its members to tackle costly delays and barriers to repairing farm machinery.
“This is a win for the sector after a period of uncertainty,” Mr McIntyre said.
“Modelling by the Productivity Commission shows this reform could lift agricultural production to $97 million and greater competition in the repair sector will lead to a $311 million increase to GDP.
“This is a step towards giving farmers more freedom to choose who services and repairs their machinery. That means less downtime, lower costs, and more control over their own businesses.
“The NFF and our members thank the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh and the Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins, and Minister for Small Business Anne Aly for listening and progressing this for farmers.”
The NFF said the consultation was a major milestone towards delivering the government’s commitment to expand R2R laws to agricultural machinery.
“We’ll continue working closely with government and industry to get these important laws implemented,” Mr McIntyre said.
Source: TMA, NFF
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