Latest News & Updates

Misguided regulation – Hobart Mercury column.

TACC provides advocacy services for its members across Tasmania. The TACC Executive Committee provides me with a well-considered and prioritised list of advocacy topics that TACC can take to government and state regulators with industries’ positions on important policy matters. Occasionally, we encounter unexpected challenges and jump into advocacy action on a policy that we believe is harmful to all Tasmanian industries. Now is that time.   Without industry consultation or the benefit of a parliamentary inquiry, the Tasmanian Parliament is seeking to push through the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Safer Workplaces) Bill 2024. This is very concerning given [...]

Let’s Talk Tech Tasmania

VACC’s Technical Services Team is hosting a FREE knowledge-sharing session about common automotive issues that keep you up at night, with diagnostic hints and tips which may overcome them. All automotive businesses, whether you are a TACC member or not, are invited to network and share solutions via a moderated discussion, with a panel consisting of members of the VACC Technical Department. We also invite you to submit a suggestion or topic for the group discussion.  Hobart members: Date: Tuesday 22 October 2024 Venue: Hobart Brewing Co – Red Shed, 16 Evans St, Hobart Time: 5.30pm – Networking and light refreshments. 6.00 – 8.00 [...]

Meet Jason

TACC Welcomes Jason Menzies as New Member Services Manager The Tasmania Automotive Chamber of Commerce (TACC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Jason Menzies as our new Member Services Manager for Tasmania. Extensive Experience Jason brings a wealth of experience to the role, with a decade of diverse experience across various aspects of Tasmanian business. This comprehensive background ensures that our members will have the opportunity to fully understand and leverage the value-add propositions available through TACC membership. Member Outreach Initiative Over the next two months, Jason’s primary focus will be on personally connecting with all TACC members. His [...]

CEO Geoff Gwilym Announces Retirement After Decade of Leadership

In a significant development for the Victorian automotive industry, Geoff Gwilym, the longstanding CEO of the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC), has announced his retirement. Gwilym’s tenure, which spanned a transformative decade for the sector, will come to a close in February 2025. A Legacy of Advocacy and Progress During his 10-year stewardship, Gwilym has been instrumental in positioning VACC as a formidable voice for the automotive retail industry. His leadership has seen the association strengthen its capability to advocate and lobby effectively, ensuring the industry’s interests are well-represented as it faces the challenges and opportunities of the 21st [...]

Hobart members connect

The Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (TACC) recently hosted its first-ever member social and networking event, marking the beginning of what promises to be a series of engaging gatherings for the TACC community. Members from various sectors of the automotive industry came together in a relaxed environment, fostering connections and exchanging ideas outside the usual professional setting. The event provided a unique opportunity for business owners, mechanics, suppliers, and industry professionals to interact on a more personal level, strengthening the bonds within the TACC network. “It was fantastic to see our members connecting in such a casual and friendly atmosphere,” [...]

Important changes to casual employment laws: What you should know

Important Changes to Casual Employment Laws: What You Should Know Starting on 26 August 2024, significant changes to casual employment laws will take effect in Australia. These amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 introduce a new definition of casual employment and revise the casual conversion process. Here’s an overview of the key points: New definition of casual employment The new law defines casual employment as work without a firm advance commitment to continuing and indefinite employment. This definition considers both the written contract and the practical nature of the working relationship. Employees engaged as a casual employee remain a [...]

New ‘Right to Disconnect’ Law: What Employers Need to Know

From 26 August 2024, the new ‘Right to Disconnect’ (RTD) commenced to take effect, making it easier for employees to reasonably refuse out-of-hours contact. Key Points: Implementation Dates: 26 August 2024 for businesses with 15 or more employees 26 August 2025 for small businesses (less than 15 employees) Main Effects: Employees can reasonably refuse out-of-hours contact from employers, co-workers, and clients If a dispute is unable to be resolved at the workplace level, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) can issue orders and determine disputes related to such refusals Employer Rights: Employers are not prohibited from seeking to contact employees out-of-hours Employers can still reasonably require employees [...]

Misguided regulation

TACC provides advocacy services for its members across Tasmania. The TACC Executive Committee provides me with a well-considered and prioritised list of advocacy topics that TACC can take to government and state regulators with industries’ positions on important policy matters. Occasionally, we encounter unexpected challenges and jump into advocacy action on a policy that we believe is harmful to all Tasmanian industries. Now is that time. Without industry consultation or the benefit of a parliamentary inquiry, the Tasmanian Parliament is seeking to push through the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Safer Workplaces) Bill 2024. This is very concerning given that [...]

TACC Bulletin

Have your say on current skills shortages

Dear member,

The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), of which VACC is a member, has engaged Deloitte Access Economics to support their response to Jobs and Skills Australia’s (JSA) 2024 Skills Priority List stakeholder survey.

The Skills Priority List is used to assess current skills shortages and future labour demand in industries across Australia. It is a key resource used to shape domestic education and training policy and to inform Australia’s Migration Program planning.

This is an opportunity for the Australian automotive retail industry to advise government of the current and expected skills shortages you are experiencing. As such, we invite you to complete the following survey link to inform our submission to government.

Automotive Skills Shortages Survey

This survey is being sent to all current MTA members and should be filled out by individual businesses. Please only provide one response per business. The findings from this survey will be used by Deloitte Access Economics and MTAA for the purpose of completing the JSA Skills Priority List stakeholder survey for the automotive industry.

Only aggregated responses will be reported, meaning your business will not be identified in any information provided to JSA.

If you have any questions about Deloitte’s privacy policy or about the survey, please contact autoskillssurvey@deloitte.com.au.

The survey will close Friday 9 February 2024.

Dr Imogen Reid,
Lead, Strategy and Policy