As we reflect on the past financial year, I am proud to share the story of another strong and impactful period for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association

At its heart, the AAAA is about more than regulations, events, and reports. It is about the collective strength of our members and the responsibility we carry to advocate, support, and lead. Reviewing our performance, I have seen that responsibility fulfilled with passion and purpose across every area of our work.
Our advocacy program remains the cornerstone of what we do. Some challenges come suddenly – requiring a strong and immediate response – while others demand persistence and strategy. We strongly opposed NSW’s flawed EV repair licensing proposal, which threatened to undermine consumer choice and workshop viability. Our pressure led to the Minister pausing implementation of the regulation and instructing his department to undertake further consultation with industry.
We secured the inclusion of automotive repairers on the federal immigration priority skills list, lobbied for a review of the Motor Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme, pressed for an update of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 14, advocated against unfair US tariffs on Australian automotive parts, responded to the National Vehicle Emissions Standards consultation, pressed for action on the QLD roadworthy scheme, and led the push for mandatory data sharing in New Zealand.
On behalf of our members, I appeared before state and federal parliamentary hearings to provide expert testimony on the EV transition – ensuring the independent aftermarket has a seat at the table as governments shape the future of mobility.
From an event perspective, Autocare 2025 was our flagship achievement – and it really delivered for our industry. Autocare is the premier automotive training event in Australia, offering independent workshop owners and technicians the technical and business skills they need to thrive. This year’s event welcomed 2,700 attendees and 100 exhibitors, featured expert-led training sessions, an expansive trade show, and the launch of the new ADAS Industry Code of Conduct. Alongside Autocare, we also staged the second National Light Vehicle Modifications Summit, which has established itself as the leading forum for regulators and industry to come together to shape a balanced regulatory environment for modifiers, suppliers, and enthusiasts alike.
The Auto Innovation Centre also reached new heights. A 40 percent increase in revenue and productivity gains ensured it delivered a net operating profit, meeting its five-year expansion target ahead of schedule. The AIC grew its engineering, testing, and scan data services significantly and is proving to be an indispensable asset for Australian automotive businesses.
Staying connected with members has remained a priority. Networking events across the country gave us a chance to listen, learn, and bring people together. Our staff represented the Association at dozens of external forums, ensuring your voice was heard and your interests protected. We also enhanced our member services. A highlight was the launch of our Interactive Digital Dashboard – providing near real-time data to support business decisions – alongside improvements to our car parc data tool. These initiatives build on our popular quarterly reports to provide a richer picture of the aftermarket landscape.
Our AAAA Women initiative continued to grow, with its steering committee and regular events encouraging greater participation of women across our sector.
On the communications front, we achieved record levels of engagement. More media releases than ever before translated into broader coverage across the board. Our multi-channel communications strategy ensured that members remained informed and connected, while our Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine continued to thrive as the trusted voice of our industry.
Internally, we have undertaken considerable efforts to streamline our systems and lower operating costs, all aimed at improving efficiency and allowing us to better serve our members.
I am struck by the breadth of what we have achieved together – from advocacy wins and major events to new services and stronger member engagement. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the AAAA and AIC teams, and the guidance of our Board. I want to thank them all sincerely for their passion and leadership.
Summing up, the AAAA is in perhaps its strongest position ever to push forward and effectively fulfil our mission of promoting and protecting our incredible industry – and at the core of this are you, our members.