The past financial year demonstrated what the AAAA can achieve with the backing of our members, sustained effort, and a clear sense of purpose

Stuart Charity, Chief Executive Officer

It was a year in which our advocacy delivered significant wins on longstanding industry priorities, our largest-ever Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo showcased the capability of our industry, and we strengthened the business support and market intelligence available to members.
Advocacy remains at the heart of the AAAA’s purpose, and meaningful change rarely happens quickly. It requires persistence, strong evidence, and an industry willing to speak with a united voice.
The independent review of the Motor Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme (MVIS) was an important milestone. It validated the importance of the scheme and has created momentum for reforms covering electronic logbooks, intermediaries, scan-tool access, governance and enforcement. These issues directly affect the ability of independent repairers to fairly compete and for consumers to choose who services their vehicles. We will continue working to ensure the scheme delivers on its original intent.
We also proudly launched the ADAS Modifications Code of Conduct, which is now helping form the foundation of a national regulatory approach. As vehicles become increasingly complex, the interaction between modifications, advanced driver assistance systems, and regulation requires a practical and nationally consistent response. The Code demonstrates what can be achieved when industry takes the lead.
Our presence in Canberra also grew stronger. The establishment of the Canberra Leaders Circle is helping build deeper relationships between industry leaders and federal decision-makers, while AAAA Women took the case for attracting more women into automotive careers directly to Parliament House. With skills shortages continuing across the aftermarket, we cannot afford to overlook such a significant source of potential talent.
When new US tariffs created serious uncertainty for Australian automotive exporters, we acted quickly to coordinate the industry response and advocate for government support. This helped secure funding through the Accessing New Markets Initiative, assisting affected businesses to diversify and pursue opportunities in other markets.
We also continued supporting New Zealand’s Choice of Repairer campaign, contributed to the review of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 14, and advocated for sensible electric vehicle regulations across several states. During the year, the AAAA lodged 23 regulatory and parliamentary submissions, each informed by research, consultation, and the real-world experience of our members.
Without question, the standout industry event was the 2026 Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo. More than 15,000 people came together in Melbourne across three extraordinary days, making it the largest Expo in the Association’s history and a powerful demonstration of the aftermarket’s innovation, professionalism, and economic importance. The Expo elevated the industry’s profile with government and other key stakeholders, supported new international opportunities, and delivered outstanding value for exhibitors and visitors. Its success also contributed to the Association’s financial strength and capacity to invest in advocacy and member services.
While major events and advocacy achievements naturally attract attention, much of the AAAA’s value is delivered through consistent work throughout the year. Our team represented the aftermarket at government consultations, parliamentary hearings, conferences, and industry forums, while networking events across the country allowed us to hear directly from members and bring the industry together.
AAAA Women continued to grow through its Connection Circles, events, International Women’s Day Breakfast, and a capacity networking event at the Expo. The strong participation reflects a genuine appetite for professional networks, development opportunities, and greater involvement by women across the aftermarket.
We also continued investing in resources that help members make informed business decisions. Improvements to the car parc data portal, quarterly market dashboards, and new research into workshop customer expectations are providing valuable insights into a rapidly changing vehicle market.
Our membership retention remained exceptionally high, reflecting both the value of our direct member services and members’ commitment to supporting the AAAA’s advocacy work on the major issues affecting our industry.
The Auto Innovation Centre (AIC) moves from strength to strength and continued to adapt its services to meet industry demand. Its expanding engineering and testing capabilities, growing scan-data offering through the AIC Vehicle Portal and investment in specialist expertise are providing Australian businesses with important product development and innovation support.
Through our PR and media activity, digital communication channels, and Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine, we continued to inform members, promote the industry’s achievements, and ensure our voice was heard by government and the wider community.
When I consider the breadth of what was achieved, I am extremely proud of the AAAA and AIC teams and grateful for the guidance of our Board and the contribution of our councils, committees, partners and volunteers.
Most importantly, I want to thank our members. Your support, knowledge, and willingness to become involved give the AAAA the strength and credibility to achieve positive change.
We enter the new financial year with strong momentum, but there is no shortage of work ahead. Our focus remains clear: to protect and promote the independent aftermarket, help our members succeed and ensure the industry is positioned to capitalise on the opportunities ahead.