New laws aimed at helping Australians buy safer road vehicles have been passed by Parliament.
Announced by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, the legislation updates and simplifies the regulatory system so that it is flexible and responsive to support the future of road vehicles in Australia.
Mr McCormack described the changes as the most important in the regulation of road vehicles in almost three decades.
“Consumers will have more choice when it comes to types of cars that are brought in to Australia and will have greater assurances their vehicles are safe,” Mr McCormack said.
“By establishing a network of approved corporations to give consumers and manufacturers greater confidence of their vehicle safety, these new laws are commonsense changes, especially for specialist and enthusiast vehicles.”
He said the legislation also gave businesses and manufacturers clarity for product recalls for vehicles.
“The new laws will streamline the supply of mainstream (full volume) new vehicles and establish a register of approved vehicles — an online, publicly accessible database to assist with compliance and enforcement of national vehicle standards,” McCormack said.
“They will provide greater clarity around recall powers and responsibilities for all vehicle classes.”
He noted that existing businesses would be able to continue supplying vehicles under their existing approvals until late 2020.
