VACC State Election Issues For The Next Victorian Government

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – November 3, 2010: VACC, which represents 5,000 small businesses in Victoria, has launched its State Election Issues ahead of the Election on November 27. VACC calls on the next Victorian Government to take decisive action to support and promote the retail, service and repair (RS&R) sector of the automotive industry.

“If small businesses are to continue to employ Victorians, then we need to see the next State Government provide them with more support and assistance,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

VACC calls on the next Victorian Government to take the following actions:

Introduce a six month vehicle registration payment option for motorists;

Fund marketing activities to promote the RS&R automotive industry sector;

Increase funding for the Victorian Small Business Commissioner;

Convene a high level conference to discuss access to diagnostic, service and repair information;

Incorporate VACC’s Vehicle Safety Campaign into the ‘Arrive Alive’ strategy;

Mandate that all imported automotive parts comply with Australian standards;

Highlight the fact that many vehicle insurance policies, do not allow the motorists to choose who repairs their vehicle following a crash;

Reduce land tax on small business;

Prevent large businesses from intimidating small businesses;

Outlaw the practice of selling a vehicle from, for example, a roadside or outside a pub;

Repeal the stamp duty on so-called luxury vehicles;

Repeal the Car Parking Levy (the tax paid by Melbourne CBD car park owners and employers), reduce CBD congestion and improve transport infrastructure;

Fast track the expansion of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

“VACC calls on the next Victorian Government to consult with the automotive industry and to take action on these issues. This is an important election, and whichever Party wins power, it must make good decisions and show strong leadership,” Mr Purchase said.