You Spoke. We Listened.

MTA NSW and MTA ACT recently invited members to complete a short Member Pulse Check to help shape our advocacy, government engagement and member services for the remainder of 2026.

Thank you to everyone who participated.

While businesses operate in different markets across NSW and the ACT, one message came through loud and clear - members are facing many of the same challenges.

The findings will directly influence where we focus our advocacy, communications and support over the coming months.

What members told us

1. Rising business costs remain the biggest challenge

80.9% of NSW respondents identified rising operating costs as one of their biggest business challenges.

Members consistently highlighted increasing costs associated with:

·        Insurance premiums

·        Wages

·        Energy

·        Rent

·        Compliance

·        Finance and general business overheads

The ACT results mirrored this trend, with operating costs also identified as the highest priority issue.

2. Finding and keeping skilled staff remains difficult

More than half of NSW respondents identified attracting and retaining skilled employees and apprentices as one of their biggest concerns.

Across both NSW and the ACT, members told us they want continued investment in:

·        Apprenticeships

·        Practical training pathways

·        Workforce attraction

·        Skills development

3. Compliance is becoming more complex

Members continue to report increasing pressure from:

·        Employment obligations

·        Workplace compliance

·        Licensing requirements

·        Government regulation

·        Administrative burden

Reducing unnecessary complexity remains an important advocacy priority.

4. Members want stronger industry representation

Across both surveys, members identified a clear need for MTA NSW Group to continue advocating for:

·        Fairer insurance practices

·        Action against unlicensed repairers

·        Practical support during the transition to EV technologies

·        Government policies that reduce pressure on small automotive businesses

ACT members also placed additional emphasis on stronger engagement with the ACT Government and local regulatory issues.

What happens next?

Your feedback is already shaping our priorities.

Over the second half of 2026, members can expect increased focus on:

Thank you

The Member Pulse Check provides an important evidence base that strengthens our advocacy on behalf of members.

Your feedback ensures that the issues we raise with governments, regulators and industry stakeholders are driven by the real experiences of automotive businesses across NSW and the ACT.

Thank you again to everyone who took the time to participate.

Together, we're ensuring your voice helps shape the future direction of our industry.

Click here to view the infographic