Michael Sukkar MP

PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION INQUIRY INTO RIGHT TO REPAIR

THE HON MICHAEL SUKKAR MP
Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer

MEDIA RELEASE

29 October 2020

PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION INQUIRY INTO RIGHT TO REPAIR

The Morrison Government has today released terms of reference for the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into the Right to Repair in Australia.

Consumers, or third parties, can face challenges repairing products that develop faults or require maintenance, due to a lack of access to necessary tools, parts or diagnostic software.

According to MobileMuster, 33 per cent of Australians have repaired their mobile phones and it is expected the number of people reusing devices will increase over time as younger Australians are more likely to repair and purchase second hand phones.

Right to Repair is a consumer’s ability to repair faulty goods, or access repair services, at a competitive price. This can include repair by a manufacturer, a third-party, or self-repair.

The inquiry will consider a range of issues impacting the Australian repair market, including potential barriers and enablers of greater competition.

It will draw on international experience and examine Right to Repair mechanisms that support consumer rights, promote competition in the repair market, and encourage product design requirements to extend product life and reduce e-waste.

The Productivity Commission will undertake broad public consultation, including with state and territory governments. The inquiry is due to report to Government within twelve months.

The terms of reference can be found at www.pc.gov.au.