Mr TUCKEY (Minister for Forestry and Conservation and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister) (9:24 PM) —I move:

The Motor Vehicle Standards Amendment Bill 2001 amends the legislative framework to enable new arrangements to apply for the importation and supply to the market in Australia of low volume road motor vehicles, including motor cycles. These vehicles are known as specialist and enthusiast vehicles. The bill is the result of the government's decision announced on 8 May 2000 following a review of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989. The decisions aim to balance the government's commitment to the local automotive manufacturing industry, full volume importers, franchised motor vehicle dealers, importers and converters of used vehicles, and consumers of genuine specialist and enthusiast vehicles. The decisions include revised eligibility criteria for vehicles being imported under the low volume scheme and the establishment of a registered workshop arrangement for the importation and supply of used vehicles to the market. The registered workshop arrangement will operate on a cost recovery basis. It will improve consumer protection for purchasers of used imported vehicles.

The changes made by this bill are intended to return the low volume scheme to its original intent of catering for the importation of genuine specialist and enthusiast vehicles and to prevent unchecked growth in the importation of used vehicles that are very similar to vehicles already marketed in full volume. I present the explanatory memorandum.

Debate (on motion by Mr Lee) adjourned.