PRIME minister Malcolm Turnbull has this week unveiled his reshuffled Cabinet, but some figures in the automotive industry are anxiously waiting to see which ministers will be looking after key auto sector Acts.

Overall portfolios have been allocated, but peak industry organisations may not know until next week which ministers have responsibility for key areas such as parallel imports, fuel quality, emissions standards and the effects test under the Trade Practices Act.

The industry portfolio has changed hands, with Christopher Pyne handing over to Greg Hunt, formerly the environment minister. It is unclear how much Mr Hunt will have to do with the car industry, however, as the car assembly operations – Ford, GM Holden and Toyota – will all close during this term of government.

Mr Hunt is unlikely to have many applications to deal with under the Automotive Transformation Scheme (ATS), unless it is opened up to parts-makers that were previously not included because they did not supply the three local car-makers.

While Mr Hunt will be responsible for the ATS, other ministers will not know their exact responsibilities until late this week or early next.

“They have to go through the AAOs, the Administrative Arrangement Orders,” one senior industry leader said.

This is the process where the prime minister’s office works out which Acts each minister will be responsible for, he said.

“Then there’s always a bit of argey-bargey between the junior and senior ministers and the senior minister almost always wins.”

The hot issue of parallel imports is a case in point. This is covered by the Motor Vehicle Standards Act and in the previous government it was handled by Paul Fletcher as minister for major projects, territories and local government.

“One of the key questions for us is, who has the Motor Vehicle Standards Act, and we don’t know.

“It could be in urban infrastructure, which doesn’t make much sense, or it could be in infrastructure and transport, which is handled by Darren Chester,” the industry leader said.

Mr Fletcher will now be minister for urban infrastructure while Fiona Nash will add local government and territories to her existing regional development duties.

It is also unclear who will have responsibility for the review of the code of conduct covering the access to service and repair data.

That used to be handled by Kelly O’Dwyer in her role as minister for small business, a portfolio that has been allocated to the National Party’s Michael McCormack. It is expected that Mr McCormack will oversee the review as small business minister, but it has to be confirmed under the AAO process.

Ms O’Dwyer’s title has changed from assistant treasurer to minister for revenue and financial services.

The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) welcomed the new ministry, noting in particular the reappointment of Darren Chester as minister for infrastructure and transport. The AAA represents all the state-based motoring organisations, including the RACV and the NRMA.

“The AAA particularly welcomes the reappointment of Darren Chester as minister for infrastructure and transport, and his strong commitment to road safety improvements, robust project assessments, and the delivery of infrastructure projects that build economic and social capabilities across Australian communities,” AAA chief executive Michael Bradley said.

“The appointment of Paul Fletcher to the new role of minister for urban infrastructure is also welcome and highlights the government’s increased focus upon unlocking the economic potential of our cities.”

Mr Bradley said the AAA was keen to work with the minister on the government’s response to the Australian Infrastructure Plan, which it is hoped will reduce the estimated $53 billion cost of urban congestion by 2031.

The AAA also applauded the combining of the environment and energy responsibilities in one portfolio under Josh Frydenburg.

“The merging of these portfolios is a welcome recognition of the interdependent relationship between energy supply and security, environment, and emissions policies, at a time when the government is seeking to meet its agreed greenhouse targets.”

“As the national peak body representing Australia’s motoring clubs and their eight million members, the AAA looks forward to working with all ministers to ensure safety, fairness, and sustainability are at the core of the government’s land transport agenda,” Mr Bradley said.

“The AAA’s campaign during the recent election gave voice to its clubs and their members, who told their elected representatives how congestion and poor infrastructure affect their lives and communities. The AAA will continue to make these voices heard in Canberra and ensure this term of parliament delivers the transport improvements Australia needs.”

By Ian Porter