NSW Farmers has welcomed calls from the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh to introduce a legislated right to repair for agricultural machinery.
NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said commitment to legislate this was long overdue. “Right now, much of our modern farm machinery can only be fixed by an ‘authorised repairer’, but this often costs a fortune and there’s the likelihood of costly delays,” Mr Martin said.
“We can choose who fixes our cars and trucks, but can’t choose who fixes the ag machines that help us feed and clothe the nation – and that’s costing our industry time, money and productivity.
“Farmers should be able to choose to use and support a qualified local repairer or do repairs and maintenance work themselves if they’re qualified, so they can get their machinery fixed without huge costs or wait times.”
According to the Productivity Commission, legislating a right to repair agricultural machinery would boost agricultural productivity by $97 million annually.
“We need our tractors, headers and other machines to be fixed efficiently if we’re to keep putting clothes on backs and food on tables,” Mr Martin said.