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THE Queensland government has been accused of ignoring industry input and is now being urged to immediately stop the introduction of a proposed training program.

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has demanded that the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) pause the implementation of mandatory training for Approved Inspection Station (AIS) scheme members which was announced during a government caretaker period. 

It said the policy was developed “without any industry consultation or feedback from AIS scheme members and lacks a clear cost/benefit analysis to justify its introduction”.

“The timing of this announcement — during a caretaker period — raises serious concerns about governance and transparency from both TMR and the minister for Transport and Main Roads,” the AAAA said in a statement.“By rolling out the policy now and setting cut-off dates for subsidised training, TMR is bypassing essential processes for industry input.”

The AAAA said it believed this approach “undermines the credibility of the policy and its supposed benefit to Queensland motorists.”

AAAA CEO Stuart Charity said the association was “deeply concerned” by the actions of the TMR.

“The decision to push through the policy during the caretaker period, with little regard for industry feedback, is unacceptable,” Mr Charity said.

“While we welcome subsidised training, the rushed timeline and mandatory nature of the training are inappropriate for the majority of workshops.

AAAA CEO Stuart Charity

“The AIS Roadworthy system in Queensland has fundamental issues. Some of our best-approved inspectors are considering leaving the scheme because they feel unfairly targeted, while operators who exploit the system can simply take a training session and continue to undermine road safety.”

AAAA said it had received a commitment from the Queensland LNP to review this implementation and engage with industry if they are elected. 

It said it would “continue to push for genuine consultation and an evidence-based approach to any changes affecting the AIS scheme.”

Mr Charity said he welcomed the commitment from the opposition as a “very clear statement that the Opposition was not briefed on TMR’s strategy.”

“Importantly we are now confident that should the LNP form a government after the election they will seek urgent briefings from the department and will seek further engagement with the industry,” Mr Charity said.

The AAAA said the service and repair industry played a critical role in ensuring road safety for all Queenslanders and urged the future Queensland government to “reconsider this policy and to work collaboratively with the industry to find solutions that benefit businesses and protect the community.”

The Queensland election is on October 26.

By Neil Dowling

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