The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed a federal government proposal to extend Australia’s Right to Repair laws to agricultural machinery, describing it as a significant step towards reducing costly downtime and giving farmers greater control over machinery maintenance.
The announcement comes as the Albanese Government released a discussion paper seeking industry feedback on expanding the existing Right to Repair framework to cover agricultural equipment.
NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the proposal reflected years of advocacy by the federation and its members.
“This is a win for the sector after a period of uncertainty,” Mr McIntyre said.
“Modelling by the Productivity Commission shows this reform could lift agricultural production by $97 million and greater competition in the repair sector will lead to a $311 million increase to GDP.
“This is a step towards giving farmers more freedom to choose who services and repairs their machinery. That means less downtime, lower costs, and more control over their own businesses.”
The proposed reforms would build on the existing Motor Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme, introduced in 2022, which requires vehicle manufacturers to provide independent repairers with access to service and repair information at a fair market price.
According to the Federal Government, a review of the scheme found it had supported growth in independent repair workshops, increased consumer choice and contributed to a $2.4 billion expansion in annual sector turnover.
The new consultation proposes extending similar requirements to agricultural machinery, allowing farmers and independent repairers greater access to repair information and diagnostic tools.
The discussion paper also seeks feedback on providing access to electronic logbook information, improving access to essential repair data for tool manufacturers and data aggregators, and expanding access to higher-risk repair information while maintaining safety safeguards.
Julie Collins said the reforms would provide farmers with more options when machinery breaks down.
“Our Government’s Right to Repair reforms will give farmers genuine choice about who repairs and services their machinery, while ensuring independent repairers have access to the information they need to compete fairly,” Ms Collins said.
“By extending Right to Repair laws to include agricultural machinery, these changes will help reduce downtime, lower repair costs and keep farm operations moving when it matters most.”
Assistant Minister for Competition Andrew Leigh said the reforms were designed to improve competition and lower costs.
“Whether it’s repairing a car or a tractor, Australian drivers and farmers deserve access to choice and competitive prices,” Dr Leigh said.
The NFF thanked Ms Collins, Dr Leigh and Anne Aly for progressing the reforms and said it would continue working with government and industry as the legislation is developed.
The consultation period is open until 3 July, with feedback being sought from farmers, repairers, manufacturers and industry stakeholders.
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