MTA NSW to Withdraw from Motor Trades Association of Australia

The decision will allow an enhanced focus on NSW and ACT automotive industry priorities

Thursday 14th August, 2025: The Motor Traders' Association of NSW (MTA NSW) has announced its decision to withdraw from the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), effective immediately, after determining that MTAA’s proposed governance changes and strategic direction do not align with the specific needs of NSW and ACT automotive businesses.

The MTA NSW Board agreed that independent operation will enable more targeted advocacy and service delivery by directing resources and expertise toward the unique challenges of its members.

The NSW and ACT automotive industry includes a range of sectors, which face unique pressures that require tailored representation at a state and federal level.

Stavros Yallouridis, CEO of MTA NSW, said the move reflects the organisation’s commitment to delivering maximum value for members during a period of significant industry transformation.

"As Australia's largest automotive jurisdiction, we have an opportunity to lead on critical industry issues while maintaining strong collaborative relationships across the sector," Mr Yallouridis said.

"We’re operating in an environment of skills shortages, rapid technological change, and evolving employment conditions. Our members need an association that can respond quickly and decisively to these pressures at both a federal and state level."

The move will allow MTA NSW to respond more effectively to skills shortages, evolving licensing requirements, employment law changes, and economic pressures that impact productivity and efficiency across the automotive sector.

Importantly, all member services, including training programs and apprentice support, will not only continue uninterrupted but will be strengthened through this transition. MTA NSW will leverage its independent position to deliver enhanced advocacy directly focused on NSW and ACT automotive businesses.

"We acknowledge and thank MTAA for their important role in representing the automotive industry at the national level over the years," Mr Yallouridis said. "Moving forward, we remain committed to collaborating with any national body where our strategic directions align and there are areas of mutual agreement that benefit our members and the broader industry.”

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Varsha Kumar
[email protected]
0420 540 589

About The Motor Traders' Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW): The Motor Traders' Association of New South Wales is one of Australia's largest state-based industry associations, dedicated to representing owners and business principals in the New South Wales automotive industry for the last 115 years.

MTA NSW provides extensive industry information to its membership base, representing 28 different motor trades, including member forums and on-site visits. It assists members in the daily running of their businesses, as well as lobbying governing bodies to ensure a robust and thriving automotive industry.

Their policy interests are varied, encompassing taxation, fair trading, vehicle repair standards, employment relations, the environment, and industry training.

MTA NSW works to maintain the public's confidence in dealing with MTA members through a Code of Ethics, a landmark statement with a framework setting standards of behaviour, not just legal obligations, that MTA members must follow in their dealings with the public.