THE Australian Automobile Dealer Association (AADA) has appointed Michael (Mick) McKenna as director of industry affairs and Matthew Hawkes as head of public affairs.

Mr McKenna was previously LMCT policy advisor for the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and Mr Hawkes joins from strategic communications advisory firm GRA Cosway.

Both bring many years of relevant experience to the AADA. Mr McKenna led the secretariat of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA), a key division of the VACC, for 16 years while Mr Hawkes has worked for more than a decade and a half in government, public policy and government relations.

Michael McKenna

The AADA said Mr McKenna has a strong understanding of the issues facing franchised new car and truck dealers in Australia.

“Over the years he has developed strong relationships with state government as well as regulatory agencies and has a strong track record of successfully advocating on behalf of car, truck, motorcycle and farm machinery dealers,” the AADA said.

During his time at GRA Cosway, Mr Hawkes advised some of Australia’s biggest companies on their government relations strategies. He was previously the policy manager at the Financial Services Council.

In addition, he served as chief of staff to senator Deborah O’Neill for five years. It was during this time with senator O’Neill that he developed a strong understanding of franchised new-car dealers working on key parliamentary inquiries including the 2019 inquiry into franchising reforms and the 2021 inquiry into the relationship between car manufacturers and car dealers in Australia.

AADA CEO James Voortman said: “Mick is particularly well known and respected amongst Victorian AADA members and enjoys an excellent reputation amongst dealers in Victoria and throughout Australia.

“We look forward to him applying his vast experience and practical approach to addressing key issues for franchise new car and truck dealers across the country.

Matthew Hawkes

“Matthew has a very good understanding of the inner workings of government and has developed strong experience in a number of issues important to AADA members including franchising reform and finance and insurance issues.

“The AADA believes now is a good time to strengthen its resources in supporting both state and national dealer issues.

“The addition of these two staff members will help us better address member concerns at both levels, ensuring dealers have strong representation and a unified voice in Canberra.”