Joint media release: Keeping machinery moving when it matters most: Right to Repair reforms for farmers and drivers

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
Minister for Small Business, the Hon Anne Aly MP
Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, the Hon Andrew Leigh MP

The Albanese Government is seeking feedback on reforms to strengthen competition in repair markets and expand choice for drivers and farmers. 

We know some Australians are doing it tough, which is why we are expanding consumer choice to help put downward pressure on the cost of maintaining vehicles and machinery.

Global uncertainty, including the current conflict in the Middle East, is putting pressure on fuel prices, freight costs and supply chains. 

For farmers, keeping their machinery running quickly and affordably has never been more important.

Today, the Government has released a discussion paper outlining proposals to extend Australia’s Right to Repair framework to agricultural machinery, alongside targeted improvements to the Motor Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme, which has been operating since 2022. 

The Scheme requires vehicle manufacturers to provide independent repairers with access to service and repair information at a price no higher than fair market value.

The Review of the Scheme found that the existing scheme for motor vehicles had been broadly successful, supporting growth in independent repair workshops, greater consumer choice and a $2.4 billion expansion in the sector’s annual turnover.

Expanding Right to Repair to agriculture recognises the practical realities farmers face. Faster access to repair information can reduce costly downtime during planting and harvest, support local repair businesses, and put competitive pressure on prices, helping farm businesses manage costs when external shocks are hitting hard. 

The Productivity Commission estimates that extending Right to Repair to agriculture could lift annual GDP by $97 million through increased grain outputs alone, simply by reducing downtime during harvest.

Treasury is seeking stakeholder and industry feedback on the proposed expansion to agricultural machinery and general improvements to the existing scheme.

The discussion paper seeks views on:

• the design of an expanded scheme to cover agricultural machinery, including the types of machinery to be supported by the scheme
• giving repairers access to information stored in electronic logbooks, ensuring they have the information needed to diagnose and service vehicles efficiently
• providing data aggregators and tool manufacturers access to essential repair information, supporting innovation and competition in the sector, and
• enhancing access to higher risk repair information while maintaining strong safety and security safeguards.

The consultation period is open until Friday 3 July 2026. 

Further information about the consultation process is available on the Treasury website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“Our Government’s Right to Repair reforms will give farmers genuine choice about who repairs and services their machinery, while ensuring independent repairers have access to the information they need to compete fairly.

“By extending Right to Repair laws to include agricultural machinery, these changes will help reduce downtime, lower repair costs and keep farm operations moving when it matters most.

“This is a win for farmers, a win for regional businesses and a win for competition.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Anne Aly MP: 

“We know small businesses can’t afford to be out of action when machinery breaks, so we’re making it easier for small businesses, farmers and drivers to keep moving with access to fast and affordable repairs. 

“The Albanese Labor Government always backs small business, which is why we’ve announced over $3.5 billion in new measures that deliver tax relief to support resilience, investment and growth, all while cutting red tape.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Competition, Andrew Leigh MP:

“Whether it’s repairing a car or a tractor, Australian drivers and farmers deserve access to choice and competitive prices.

“The Albanese Government’s Right to Repair laws are about helping small businesses compete. Expanding these repair laws to agricultural machinery means farmers will have better access to local repair services, less downtime and less costs.”