The automotive industry plays a crucial role in Australia's economy. It encompasses businesses involved in selling, servicing, repairing, fueling, and maintaining the country’s fleet of 19.2 million motor vehicles.
The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) represents its member associations by educating and informing government and industry about the important role of the automotive sector. It proactively participates in the development of sound public policy on issues affecting or impacting the retail motor trades, small business and consumers.
MTAA represents the Victorian and Tasmanian Automobile Chamber of Commerce, the Motor Trade Association of South Australia and Northern Territory, the Motor Trade Association of Western Australia, and the Motor Trades Association of Queensland.
As a national-level body, MTAA presents a unified voice primarily to the federal government and departments and plays a key role in influencing government policy. The work MTAA undertakes includes identifying and monitoring issues affecting the automotive sector, and taking up appropriate matters with the government.
The National Secretariat of the association acts as a liaison between its members and their business constituents and the federal government, departments and industry. It receives specific inputs from the committees that sit underneath the MTAA umbrella.
These committees provide advice on matters specific to each of the industries of the automotive sector and include vehicle dealers, parts dismantlers and recyclers, service stations and convenience stores, tyre dealers and retreaders, and farm and industrial machinery dealers and others.
Motor Trades Association of Queensland
Motor Trade Association of Western Australia
Motor Trade Association of South Australia and Northern Territory
Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce
Tasmanian Automotive Chamber of Commerce
Hon Bruce Billson has built a highly regarded career advocating for public policy solutions across a range of industries. His success is grounded in his ability to lead diverse teams and deliver significant outcomes for the people and businesses he represents, including as a Cabinet Minister and as a national ombudsman.
As the current Executive Director of the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), the peak body for the automotive retail sector, Bruce leads efforts to shape policy and promote progress within the industry. His skill in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and proactively advocating for members' interests is central to creating new opportunities and ensuring their voices are heard.
Bruce was the Federal Member for Dunkley across seven terms in the Australian Parliament from 1996 to 2016, including as Cabinet Minister for Small Business, where he brought extensive expertise in competition policy and consumer affairs.
Most recently, Bruce completed a five-year term as the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, leading the office's work to assist small and family businesses, investigate systemic issues, provide independent advice to government and advocate for policy and regulatory reform.
