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David Blackhall

THE past year has been a tough one for the motor trade. Uncertain economic conditions, calming sales and an unprecedented regulatory onslaught on the few profitable areas of the car business have combined to deliver the Chinese curse of “living in interesting times”.

The Australian Securities and Investment Commission and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission are reviewing issues concerning the car industry on a broad front including Australian Consumer Law reform, parallel imports and commissions for finance and add-on insurance.

Such is the landscape that greeted the CEO of the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), David Blackhall, for his first 12 months on the job.

“There has been a whirlwind of activity attending government meetings, writing submissions, communicating with dealers and bringing politicians and regulators fully up to date on the state of the industry,” Mr Blackhall told GoAutoNews Premium.

“I hit the ground running but I am pleased to say the team has made some very significant inroads.

“Our team, by the way, consists of me, policy director Michael Deed and help from out-sourced contractors,” he said.

Mr Blackhall said he found there is a great deal of ignorance about the industry that required immediate attention, especially with so many politicians on both sides of Parliament believing the industry had become irrelevant with the demise of local manufacturing.

“One of the most concerning issues is the government’s proposed policy to allow consumers to import new cars to Australia from right-hand drive countries.

“We will work hard to stop this proceeding.

“It has not been properly thought through and the unintended consequences of this policy will have serious effects on thousands of jobs and small businesses.

“The choice of new cars in Australia is bigger than anywhere in the world. We have 67 different makes that expands into a proliferation of over 400 models at prices starting at $12,500.

“Service facilities are in place and spare parts are in stock so why would anybody want to buy a car off-shore and bring it here?” he asked.

Mr Blackhall said his mission is to consolidate the AADA’s position as the peak advocacy and policy body that represents new car franchise dealers around Australia.

“The AADA’s objective is to eliminate any confusion that currently exists with government ministers and regulators who are unsure which organisation is the one they should be dealing with,” he said.

At a recent Board meeting directors gave Blackhall the go-ahead to add significant resources including a communications and policy director plus other support staff.

“I am seeking a highly qualified person to fill the role of communications and policy director to relieve me of some of the tasks I have been doing so I can concentrate on building the reputation of the AADA.

“Also we will be establishing a new head office, probably in Melbourne, in the coming months to accommodate our growing secretariat to demonstrate the AADA’s true leadership role for franchised dealers.”

By Daniel Cotterill

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