The Federal Government has come out in support of calls for the establishment of a code of conduct between independent automotive repairers and car manufacturers to allow repairers access to crucial data needed to service modern cars.

Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury has released the Government’s response to the Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council (CCAAC) inquiry into the available choices given to consumers in the automotive repair market.

The Government will now ask CCAAC Chairman, Colin Neave, to monitor industry-led negotiations on a voluntary code of conduct, with a report to Government by mid-year. If industry representatives fail to make substantial progress on the code by the end of this year, the Government will start a process to examine other regulatory options, including a mandatory code of conduct.

Today's modern cars are fitted with sophisticated computers that require special technical information in order to repair and diagnose problems. However, not everyone can access this information which makes it difficult, or sometimes even impossible, for smaller and independent repairers to diagnose and fix problems.

Consumers and repairers have been frustrated about the lack of access to technical information, with motorists increasingly forced to take their cars to dealerships for servicing.

"Consumers should have the right to choose where they take their cars for service and repair," said Mr Bradbury.

"Modern cars are highly sophisticated machines that require access to data to allow repairers to diagnose and repair them.

"It is a source of great frustration for consumers when they take their car to an independent repairer only to find they cannot complete a service, not because they lack the skills or equipment, but because they cannot access the required data and technical information.

"This means that consumers are often left with no other choice than to take their car to the nearest dealership. This can prove particularly difficult for consumers in remote and regional areas, where the nearest dealership may be hours away.”