❓ Question on Notice regarding the WA towing industry reforms, including timelines, consultation with industry, and the Minister's engagement with the WA Tow Truck Owners and Drivers Association. The Minister's response outlines the phases of reform, details consultation sessions, and defends the government's approach.
AnsweredQoN 293Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) With reference to the towing industry reforms, please outline the elements and timeframe for Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the reforms? (2) I refer to the Minister's claim that tow truck operators have attended Department of Transport briefing sessions and asked questions directly of department staff. Please advise where and when tow truck operators attended these briefing sessions? (3) Is the Minister aware of a proposal by the Western Australian Tow Truck Owners and Drivers Association that a representative working group be established to inquire into and report on : (a) The initial operation of the regulations introduced this year to regulate the towing industry; (b) The implementation of further regulations; and (c) Will the Minister consider the proposal? (4) Why is the Minister continuing to refuse to meet with the WA Tow Truck Owners and Drivers Association which is the peak industry body representing the crash towing industry?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 September 2025
Response time
9 days
(1) Phase 2 and 3 of the towing industry reforms consist of two broad elements:
Phase 2 involves occupational authorisation for towing service providers (businesses providing crash towing services). This will include disqualification offences, ‘fit and proper’ and ‘public interest’ tests and will prevent inappropriate persons from working in the industry.
Phase 3 involves occupational authorisations for towing service workers. In addition to the tests applying to towing service providers, it will also include medical fitness.
(2) The Department held 14 information sessions with the crash towing industry in the metropolitan area.
Date
Location
Number of Sessions
17 December 2024
Hamilton Hill
3
19 December 2024
Sorrento Beach
3
6 January 2025
Sorrento Beach
3
7 January 2025
Cockburn
3
5 May 2025
Cockburn
2
Additionally, the Department recently undertook eight storage yard visits in metropolitan and regional areas and continues to engage regularly with industry on reform, compliance and operational matters.
(3) Implementation of Phase 1 of the Crash Towing Industry Reforms has been successful. The State Government is continuing work to protect WA motorists from unscrupulous behaviour by rogue operators in the industry.
(4) Representatives from the West Australian Tow Truck Owners & Drivers Association have been and continue to be in regular contact with senior staff at the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure.
Phase 2 involves occupational authorisation for towing service providers (businesses providing crash towing services). This will include disqualification offences, ‘fit and proper’ and ‘public interest’ tests and will prevent inappropriate persons from working in the industry.
Phase 3 involves occupational authorisations for towing service workers. In addition to the tests applying to towing service providers, it will also include medical fitness.
(2) The Department held 14 information sessions with the crash towing industry in the metropolitan area.
Date
Location
Number of Sessions
17 December 2024
Hamilton Hill
3
19 December 2024
Sorrento Beach
3
6 January 2025
Sorrento Beach
3
7 January 2025
Cockburn
3
5 May 2025
Cockburn
2
Additionally, the Department recently undertook eight storage yard visits in metropolitan and regional areas and continues to engage regularly with industry on reform, compliance and operational matters.
(3) Implementation of Phase 1 of the Crash Towing Industry Reforms has been successful. The State Government is continuing work to protect WA motorists from unscrupulous behaviour by rogue operators in the industry.
(4) Representatives from the West Australian Tow Truck Owners & Drivers Association have been and continue to be in regular contact with senior staff at the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure.
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