Aussie looks to new car rules

The Australian government is considering options to reduce restrictions on the personal importation of new vehicles after further public consultation, but it’s not inclined to take the same approach with used vehicles. Jamie Briggs, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, says the change is part of the federal government’s goal of delivering safer roads and better vehicles through its review of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act (MVSA). It is, however, considering how it can continue to support specialist and enthusiast vehicles to be imported without impacting on road safety. Any potential changes in that area will focus on ensuring consumers have access to the lowest cost, safest and youngest car fleet possible. Briggs says the MVSA delivers national vehicle standards for new motor vehicles and regulates the first supply of imported vehicles to the market. The Australian government has consulted broadly over the past year to ensure it “strikes a balance” between appropriate safety standards in line with international best practice, and consumer access to vehicles at the lowest possible cost. As part of the process, personal importation of new cars has been a key consideration, particularly given the end of light-vehicle manufacturing across the Tasman in 2017-18. Also as part of the review, the federal government will continue to cut red tape by accelerating the “harmonisation” of its vehicle standards with international best practices to ensure it lowers costs for business and makes the country more competitive. The MVSA currently imposes AU$281 million a year in regulatory compliance costs to Australian business. Briggs says the government is confident those costs can be substantially reduced. Consultation on the federal government’s intention to consider options to reduce restrictions on the personal importation of new vehicles will be undertaken until the end of May and inform a final decision later this year.