MTA Calls Out NT Election Automotive Priorities

The MTA has unveiled its 2024 Northern Territory Election Charter calling on all parties and candidates to support the local automotive industry which contributes more than $500 million to the economy through more than 700 businesses employing more than 4,000 Territorians.

Informed by the MTA’s industry members, Driving the NT Forward identifies four key policy pillars:

• Automotive transformation
• Skills
• Cost of business and taxation; and
• Legislative reform

Noting that around one in five new cars sold in the Northern Territory were either an electric or hybrid vehicle, MTA CEO Darrell Jacobs said the industry was experiencing rapid transition, “Businesses need to be prepared for whatever vehicle enters the workshop. That is why we have recommended financial support for reskilling, charging infrastructure and updated tooling.”

“We also know that Territorians love their utes and 4X4s, and that is why the MTA recommends incentives for hybrid and plug-in hybrids given the high cost of fully electric variants” Mr Jacobs added.

Facing ongoing skill shortages across all automotive trades, the document prioritised skills, training and migration as diverse solutions. “Young apprentices deserve the very best automotive training to prepare them for the workforce. We want to see automotive training at CDU TAFE thrive and we should reward them when they get it right” Mr Jacobs said.

Targeted attraction strategies were recommended to get more skilled workers into automotive “We want to grow the pie through school engagement, skilled migration initiatives and by reducing the cost to give mature age apprentices a fair go” Mr Jacobs continued.

With the impacts of crime weighing on the industry, the MTA has recommended more financial support in the BizSecure Business Security Assistance Program to allow businesses to protect their employees, sites and assets.

MTA MEDIA CONTACT: Kaes Cillessen | M: 0400 811 632 | kcillessen@mtasant.com.au