NSW division of MTA breaks ties with national association to champion individual advocacy for its members independently.
The Motor Traders' Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) has announced its withdrawal from the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) with immediate effect. The decision comes as a response to the perceived misalignment between MTAA's proposed governance changes and strategic direction, and the specific needs of automotive businesses in NSW and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) [1][2].
Stavros Yallouridis, CEO of MTA NSW, emphasized that this move reflects a commitment to delivering maximum value during a time of rapid industry transformation. This transformation includes addressing skills shortages, technological change, evolving employment conditions, and economic pressures impacting productivity [1][2]. Being independent will allow MTA NSW to respond more quickly and decisively to these pressures at both state and federal levels, while maintaining or strengthening all member services such as training and apprentice support.
The NSW and ACT automotive industry, being the largest jurisdiction in Australia, has distinct needs requiring tailored representation. MTA NSW's independent strategy will focus on issues directly impacting businesses in these regions. However, MTA NSW remains committed to collaborating with any national body where their strategic directions align and there are areas of mutual agreement that benefit their members and the broader industry [1][2].
MTA NSW's members, who operate across multiple industries, require an association that can respond quickly and decisively to pressures at both a federal and state level. The independence of MTA NSW will strengthen its response to challenges like workforce shortages, changing licensing requirements, industrial relations reforms, and economic pressures affecting productivity [1][2].
Despite the withdrawal, MTA NSW acknowledged the role of MTAA in representing the automotive industry at the national level. The association aims to lead on critical industry issues while maintaining strong collaborative relationships across the sector [1][2]. MTA NSW did not rule out working with MTAA in the future if their strategic directions align and benefit members and the industry.
MTAA responded to the withdrawal by focusing on collaborative agreements with other automotive groups to maximize advocacy impact. They highlighted that their governance review aimed to ensure the organization was fit for purpose, with MTA NSW's chair involved in the process and having supported the final report [3].
In conclusion, the MTA NSW's decision to withdraw from MTAA reflects a commitment to delivering maximum value for its members during a period of rapid industry transformation. The association's independence will enable more targeted advocacy and more effective use of resources focused on the unique challenges faced by its members in NSW and the ACT.
[1] MTA NSW (2022). MTA NSW withdraws from MTAA. [online] Available at: https://www.mta.asn.au/news/mta-nsw-withdraws-from-mtta
[2] Yallouridis, S. (2022). MTA NSW CEO statement on independence and future collaborations. [online] Available at: https://www.mta.asn.au/news/mta-nsw-ceo-statement-on-independence-and-future-collaborations
[3] MTAA (2022). MTAA responds to MTA NSW withdrawal. [online] Available at: https://www.mtaa.com.au/news/mtaa-responds-to-mta-nsw-withdrawal
- The independence of MTA NSW, enabled by its withdrawal from MTAA, allows for a more focused approach on finance and business matters specific to the automotive industry in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, as they navigate swift industry transformation.
- MTA NSW's strategic decision to withdraw from MTAA signifies a shift in their approach to delivering maximum value, especially in addressing difficult industry challenges such as workforce shortages, regulatory changes, and economic pressures, which impact both business finance and productivity.
