MTAA wants your qualifications recognised for farm machinery repairs

The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) is pushing the federal government to recognise a wider range of qualifications when it comes to who’s allowed to repair farm machinery like tractors, harvesters, sprayers and seeders.

Right now, regional mechanics often can’t get the information they need to properly diagnose and fix this kind of equipment. MTAA wants that fixed and it’s arguing the fix should cover more than one type of ticket.

MTAA Executive Director Bruce Billson put it simply: “Whether it’s a family sedan or a million-dollar harvester, if you buy it, you should own the right to choose who fixes it.”

The key ask for tradespeople is this, MTAA doesn’t want a single rigid qualification to decide who’s allowed to do this work. A lot of the people already keeping farm machinery running come from different paths, mobile plant technicians, in-house farm workshop staff, mobile field technicians, alongside automotive, light vehicle and heavy vehicle qualified mechanics. MTAA’s position is that if you’re already doing this work safely and competently, your training and experience should count, rather than being locked out because you don’t hold one specific ticket.

MTAA has also been clear the ask isn’t about sidelining dealer networks. Regional dealers still provide essential seasonal capacity, parts stockholding and warranty support that farmers rely on, particularly during peak periods. The goal is more competition and better access for independents without undermining what dealers already provide.

Billson said the current gaps mean longer wait times and higher costs for farmers at the busiest times of year. “We need to bring fairness back to the farm gate,” he said.

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