The Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry (MVIRI) Code of Conduct Administration Committee (CAC) has convened in person for the first time since concluding its recent public consultation.
The CAC – comprising equal representation from the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) – is responsible for overseeing the administration and development of the code.
The meeting marks a new phase in the code’s review process, with ongoing discussions underway between representatives from both the insurance and motor repair sectors.
George Manos has been reappointed as chair of the CAC, maintaining continuity of leadership as the committee moves into the next stage of code reform.
“This meeting was a positive first step toward developing a more effective code," Manos said. "CAC members engaged in open and collaborative discussions, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving outcomes for the industry.”
Commenting on the consultation, Manos said the feedback has shown there are areas of alignment and divergence between insurers and repairers on the future shape of the code.
“Feedback from consultation has shown there are areas of alignment and divergence between insurers and repairers on the future shape of the code,” he said. “The committee remains committed to a collaborative approach to ensure the Code meets the operational needs of all participants.”
The ICA and MTAA will continue to engage with their respective members and wider industry groups to inform upcoming negotiations on the revised Code.
Following the close of public consultation in July 2025, the MTAA submitted a formal response outlining stakeholder concerns with the existing draft of the code.
Feedback was received from independent repairers, insurance assessors, and trade associations including the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC).
According to the MTAA, stakeholders have raised issues around governance, information-sharing, and the balance of influence between insurers and repairers.
Proposed changes aim to address these concerns, with emphasis on structural clarity and administrative transparency.
The MTAA will continue to coordinate with affiliated bodies such as the Australian Motor Body Repairers Association (AMBRA) as the code moves closer to its final draft.
The revised version is expected to be finalised by late 2025, with implementation scheduled for early 2026.
The current review builds on recommendations from the independent review completed in 2023 by Dr Michael Schaper.
The review highlighted the need for improved governance, formalisation of oversight mechanisms, and clearer dispute resolution procedures.
Meanwhile, the CAC’s 2024 Annual Report, now published on the code website, provides an overview of committee activities and industry engagement over the past year.
The report noted that the committee met 12 times across 2024 for both routine business and code-related matters.
A total of 501 internal dispute resolution (IDR) cases were lodged through the CAC’s online platform.
The majority of these originated in Victoria (413), followed by New South Wales (48) and Queensland (22).
No IDRs were lodged from Western Australia or Tasmania.
In addition, 33 external dispute resolution (EDR) matters were reported during the year, with two progressing to mediation.
One of these matters was resolved during mediation; the other concluded without resolution.
The report also noted the need for further education around code compliance, particularly in relation to transparency, cooperation, and use of available dispute channels.
This education is expected to form part of the implementation process for the updated code.
