Government cracks down on dodgy RV sellers

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia has welcomed the introduction of the new Road Vehicle Standards Act (RVSA), which will help remove “rogue manufacturers off our roads” and encourage a “level playing field" for the Australian RV industry.

“The Caravan industry had been working really hard over the last five years to lobby government in Canberra,” CIAA chairperson Grant Wickens said. “It gives us a level playing field between local manufacturers and importers, it’s great for our consumers, it means safety standards are lifted, and it actually takes those rogue manufacturers off our roads."

Replacing the 1989 Motor Vehicle Standards Act, the new laws will come into effect late-2019 and have implications for many RV manufacturers and importers.

For example, businesses selling more than four units under 4500kg annually will be required to obtain an approval from the Federal Government, and all products manufactured or imported will be required to be logged onto a Register of Approved Vehicles (an electronic database).

The Federal Department will also have increased powers which include removing approval to supply to market, fines, or the issuing of a recall (which includes for non-safety related matters);

“Australians will be better protected through the strengthening of the laws governing all vehicles, including trailers in the Australian market through the Act,” CIAA CEO Stuart Lamont said. “Increased powers for the Government to bring penalty on businesses doing the wrong thing are also welcomed.

“When the RVSA takes effect those purchasing caravanning product can have even greater confidence in terms of safety, environmental and anti-theft performance of all vehicles (including trailers) entering the Australian market for the first time - whether new or used,” he said.

Lamont said the new legislation will also see better identification of caravans and a consistent approach to both locally manufactured and imported product.

“One caravan accident is one caravan accident too many, and the more steps we can put in place to provide better outcomes for Australian caravanners the better," he said.

"Industry businesses who consistently ignore their obligations under Australian Design Rules should not be supplying product to the market, and they are put on notice of increased scrutiny against any such practices.

Also see:
Stronger caravan laws for Queensland