The Motor Vehicle Industry Grants Program is an initiative of the New South Wales Government funded through the Office of Fair Trading.

The Office of Fair Trading is responsible for the administration of the Motor Dealers Act 1974, Motor Dealers Regulations 2004, Motor Vehicle Repair Act 1980 and the Motor Vehicle Repair Regulations 1999.

Fair Trading aims to provide funding under the Motor Vehicle Industry Grants Program to eligible organisations for education, research and other programs or projects which will assist in maintaining skilled tradespeople, improve industry standards, raise awareness and provide better protection for consumers in the motor vehicle industry.

Businesses licensed under the Motor Dealers Act 1974 include motor dealers, auto-dismantlers, wholesalers, parts reconstructors, car market operators and vehicle consultants.

The Motor Vehicle Repair Act 1980 licenses automotive electricians, panel beaters, motor mechanics, motor cycle mechanics, vehicle painters, transmission specialists, radiator repairers, natural gas mechanics, brake mechanics, exhaust repairers, front end specialists, liquefied petroleum gas mechanics and body makers.

Key dates

Funding period: 1 July 2009 – 30 June 2010
Next call for applications: April 2010

Who can apply?

Applications can be made by:

• incorporated or registered organisations
• universities, TAFEs and other academic institutions
• individuals with the appropriate skills, experience and knowledge who are sponsored by such bodies.

Joint applications, where two or more organisations pool resources and expertise, will also be accepted.

Who cannot apply?

Applications cannot be made by:

• individuals/organisations intending to use the funds for a project in a State/Territory other than NSW
• universities, TAFE and other academic institutions if the application relates to training courses which are part of the institution's core curricula
• government agencies if the application relates to the core business of the agency
• the Office of Fair Trading or its employees.

What will be funded?

The program aims to provide funding to:

• encourage best practice and innovation through training and industry education for persons who hold or wish to hold:
  • a licence under the Motor Dealers Act 1974
  • a repairers licence or trades person certificate under the Motor Vehicle Repair Act 1980
• encourage the training and employment of apprentices throughout NSW in any trade associated with the motor vehicle repair industry
• provide assistance for education or conduct research into issues relevant to the motor vehicle industry or motor vehicle repair work or loss assessor's work and strategies to encourage training in the industry
• provide information or education to customers of the motor vehicle industry which enhances their understanding of rights and obligations in the motor vehicle industry consumer/trader relationship.

Note: All project objectives are to promote the delivery of social justice outcomes (access, equity, rights and participation) in the motor vehicle industry.

Current priorities

The program meets the Office of Fair Trading’s strategic intent that New South Wales will be recognised for value and fairness in the marketplace. The program also assists the Government to achieve its competition, consumer protection and social justice policy objectives.

To achieve these objectives, the Motor Vehicle Industry Grants Program aims to fund projects of a high standard. Grant applications must demonstrate sound planning and a commitment to professionalism in the motor vehicle industry and positive outcomes for industry clients.

How much funding is available?

Approximately $100,000 per annum is currently available under this program.

How to apply

To apply for funding under this program, please refer to the following documents:

• Funding guidelines (PDF size: 121kb)
• Application form (Word size: 350kb).

Currently funded services

Services currently funded under the program in PDF format (size: 50kb).

Want more information?

Contact Community and Industry Grants Branch at grants@oft.commerce.nsw.gov.au or phone the Senior Grants Officer on 9619 8731 or fax 9777 8810.