Economic and Finance Committee: Motor Vehicle Insurance and Crash Repair Industry

Mr COWDREY (Colton) (11:58): I move:

That the eighth report of the committee, on the motor vehicle insurance and crash repair industry in South Australia, be noted.

In July 2019, the Economic and Finance Committee resolved to investigate this industry, which contributes $2.85 billion annually to the state's economy. Through this inquiry, the committee received 53 submissions, heard evidence from 35 witnesses and held nine hearings at Parliament House in Adelaide between October 2018 and July 2020. The committee also conducted site visits in November 2019 to the Pro Paint 'n Panel crash repair premises at Hindmarsh and the Capital SMART Repairs centre at Mile End. The committee heard evidence at the hearing from crash repairers and major insurance companies. However, South Australian consumers were at the very heart of the inquiry.

The aim was to investigate obligations to consumers, the 2017 Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct, consumer choice and protections, and business practices of insurers and repairers. The key theme that emerged through the conduct of the inquiry was transparency, providing customers with greater clarity and more information to make better decisions for themselves and for their families. Given the time, I seek leave to continue my remarks.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.