The Fair Trading (Motor Vehicle Repair Industry) Act 2010
Under section 27 of the Fair Trading (Motor Vehicle Repair Industry) Act 2010 (the Act), this information sheet must be given to a person before motor vehicle repair work is performed by a licensed motor vehicle repair business.
Licensed repairers are obliged to ensure that:
- Repair work is performed in accordance with any directions made by the Minister relating to equipment, material, and skill necessary for carrying out the repair;
- If diagnostic work must be performed, then the licensee must give the consumer an estimate of the cost of the diagnostic work, and obtain the consumer’s written agreement for the performance of the diagnostic work;
- An estimate of the cost of the work is given to the consumer if the work is expected to cost more than $150 and, if requested, must be given in writing which can include an SMS or email;
- After the diagnostic work, the consumer must be given an estimate of the cost of the repairs and their agreement must be sought to perform the repairs specified in the estimate;
- The consumer is told about any variation in the cost from the estimate;
- The consumer is advised of any additional work or parts needed where the cost that has not been agreed, and the consumer’s consent is sought to conduct the work or install the additional parts;
- Work is completed in a reasonable time and they must tell the consumer how much time was spent performing the work;
- The consumer must be offered any part that was replaced as part of the work and the licensee cannot charge for the disposal of the part or oil unless there is a sign at the premises clearly stating that a fee for the disposal will be charged; and,
- The consumer must be given a signed copy of any warranty or guarantee relating to workmanship, parts or service provided by the licensee.
Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development
GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 | phone: 132281 | act.gov.au
Repair Notice
(Repair Notice in accordance with the Australian Consumer Laws with effect, 1 July 2011)
As of 1 July 2011, an amendment to the Australian Consumer Law came into effect regarding Repair Notices. The change requires that motor vehicle dealers, motor vehicle repairers and retail automotive aftermarket suppliers supply you the consumer with advice; that during repair you risk losing data stored in the goods. This applies to all automotive parts such as integrated multimedia devices, phones, computers, navigation systems and trip computers to name but a few.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure that this data loss does not occur, you the consumer must understand that sometimes these losses are out of the control of ACDC.
The law requires this clause be included in the advice.
“During the process of repair, some or all of your stored data may be lost. Please ensure that you have saved this data elsewhere prior to repair.”
From time to time ACDC may use either second hand or refurbished parts during the course of the repair, this does and will only happen with your agreement.
The law requires this clause be included in the advice.
“Goods presented for repair may be replaced by refurbished goods of the same type rather than being repaired. Refurbished parts may be used to repair the goods.”
This advice is provided to the consumer in writing as part of all ACDC agreements and you must read this advice before ACDC will accept your goods for repair.