The key theme that I picked up from these great motor industry people from the past was the satisfaction and the reward that they personally gained through their involvement in the Association. The other key message delivered was that the new generation of vehicle industry entrepreneurs need to get involved, to contribute to ensure that this industry and this association remains great. This service role is becoming harder for many of us as our business, family and other local community obligations vie for our time and commitment. One of the benefits of volunteering service to the Association is that there is a secretariat to assist to make the role workable for the busy business and family person.

I was flicking through articles within some very old MTA Journals as a matter of interest. In particular, I was looking at some of the industrial relations issues that had been reported. These articles offer a great insight into some of the work undertaken by the association and its achievements.

In the April 1968 edition of the MTA Journal, it was reported that the Association had established an “Industrial Committee.” A number of projects were assigned to that committee.

These projects included:

	Study of (the) New Award project.
	Registration of Repair Shop and Reseller Sites
	Licensing of Motor Mechanics
	Apprenticeships

Later that year (1968) a new award was established for the industry. The retail motor industry for the first time had its own industry award. It was known as the Vehicle Industry Repair Service & Retail - Wages Interim Award. This award and those awards that followed have served the industry very well.

When I look at those other issues, it appears that the licensing system for the vehicle repair industry and for tradespeople, also may well have had their foundation out of this committee of MTA. For many years the industry has been working within the licensing requirements of the Motor Vehicle Repairs Act. This work, undertaken by MTA, has had a big impact on shaping the industry in New South Wales for many years.

It has been argued that this licensing system has played a major role in maintaining reasonable standards and protecting the consumer. It would be hard to argue against that

– particularly when you come across some of the recent issues raised in the press that occur interstate.

Another major MTA achievement must surely be the introduction of the MTA Code of Ethics. This occurred in 1980 and MTA was a pioneer in setting such standards for its members. The MTA approach has been copied by member organisations across Australia and overseas. The MTA Code of Ethics provides MTA members with a clear set of guidelines and also offers clarity and surety to the consumer. This makes good business sense and members have benefited from this for many years.

MTA members should be able to look back and be proud of their organisation, where it has been, what it has done. MTA members also need to look to the future. Today’s generation of vehicle industry entrepreneurs need to look to their Association and ask - how can I make a difference?