Trade businesses put customers at centre of summit talks

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The inaugural National Caravan Industry Summit brought together dealers, repairers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers from across the country for sector-specific discussions on boosting industry profitability.

Convened by Caravan Industry Association of Australia and held at Parliament House in Canberra on 22-23 September, the summit provided long-time industry supporter, Senator Helen Polley, with valuable firsthand insights into the challenges and frustrations faced by trade businesses. These discussions will help inform her efforts in Parliament to drive policy progress and ensure a strong future for the caravanning and camping sector.

Dealers and Repairers

A practical and pragmatic discussion was held by caravan and RV dealers and repairers. Key topics included:

  • Warranty concerns – including access to spare parts, labour rates, and approval delays
  • Indemnification under Australian Consumer Law (ACL)
  • National harmonisation of electrical and gas licensing – particularly around interpretation and enforcement

Despite the heavy subject matter, one overwhelming point shone through – care for the customer is paramount. Industry leaders emphasised the need to maintain the strength of ‘Brand Caravan’, ensuring high standards and positive customer outcomes across the sector.

The session included a discussion with Dr Daniel Mulino, the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services. This conversation centred on ACL, particularly around indemnification challenges and the need for clearer definitions. There was also a proposal to explore the reclassification of caravans under ACL – moving away from the standard consumer goods framework due to their complexity.

Scott Buchholz, Shadow Minister for Training and Skills and co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Caravanning group, was also involved in the session, engaging in conversations around skills development and workforce challenges.

One potential solution to some of the challenges raised is a government-supported industry code with tribunal-like powers – this will be a watching brief for further analysis.

Manufacturers, Importers and Suppliers

Like their dealer and repairer colleagues, manufacturers, importers and suppliers remained focused on upholding the strength of ‘Brand Caravan’ and delivering quality customer service throughout their session.

The session commenced with a presentation from Austrade, outlining current export and import dynamics and highlighting potential grant opportunities for manufacturers looking to expand into international markets.

Key topics covered during the session included:

  • Indemnification under ACL and obligations of suppliers and manufacturers (education)
  • Lack of data from the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV)
  • Lack of trained service technicians
  • Clarification of terms under ACL – major and minor failure
  • Increased compliance and enforcement by the Federal Department 

The session was practical, pragmatic and passionate, reflecting participants’ love for the industry and a shared desire to shape a stronger, more sustainable future – it’s now a matter of mapping the pathway to get there.

Key points raised included the need for:

  • Stronger compliance auditing by the Federal Department
  • Improved transparency and communication from the Federal Department around non-compliant manufacturers
  • Greater scrutiny of gas and electrical installations, particularly those completed through overseas processes

Each of these issues will undergo further mapping and analysis for positioning with both industry and government.

As the convener of the inaugural National Caravan Industry Summit, Caravan Industry Association of Australia ensured the collective voice of the industry was heard – with a focus on delivering practical, achievable outcomes.