Privacy Policy 

Introduction

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) is committed to treating your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Act) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) as set out in the Act.

To comply with our obligations under the APPs, AAAA has a privacy policy which sets out how we manage privacy in our organisation. Our privacy policy is set out in this document. Further information may be obtained by calling or writing to AAAA (see below for contact details).

AAAA will review this policy from time to time in order to update and continually improve our processes. If this policy is amended at any time, the updated version will be posted on our web-sites at https://www.aaaa.com.auhttps://www.collisionrepair.com.au/privacy-policy/; https://aftermarketexpo.com.au/privacy-policy/, https://www.aftermarketawards.com.au/https://www.aftermarket.com.au/ , https://www.autocare.org.au/ or available to you upon request.

Purpose of the policy

AAAA, as the representative body that represents the interests of the Australian automotive parts, accessories, tools and equipment industry, takes its obligations under the Act seriously. We have privacy obligations to our members and to the general public who utilise the services provided by AAAA and attend trade shows and other industry events organised by AAAA.

Personal Information

Personal information is defined under the Act as information or an opinion about an identified individual or an individual who is reasonably identifiable, whether the information or opinion is true or not and whether recorded in a material form or not.  Sensitive information is a type of personal information that includes health, genetic or biometric information, or information or an opinion which indicates racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs or affiliations, membership of a trade union, profession, trade association or political association, political or philosophical opinions, sexual orientation or practice, or criminal record.

For the purpose of this policy, personal information may include, but is not limited to the following:

  • name, address, email and contact details;
  • business information, including:
    • for membership purposes, your name and the name of the business you represent, the key contact names and positions of persons within the business, and the email address, postal address, location, website address and telephone number of the business; and
    • for the members directory, the information collected for membership purposes and a profile of the business, including the types of goods sold and services provided by the business, the brand names of the business, the type of business; and
  • for segmentation and profiling purposes for AAAA database, the estimated gross annual turnover, a quality assurance certification, the export markets and the number of employees (the number of employees is also required for membership fee calculation);
  • opinion on current industry matters;
  • information in identification documents (e.g. driver’s licence);
  • date of birth and gender;
  • bank account details;
  • financial information and financial status;
  • transaction history, for example use of our services;
  • your image on film or photograph if you attend one of our events;
  • feedback and responses to surveys and/or promotions;
  • changes to content or preferences; and
  • information provided on our website or during communication with us.

Collection holding and using personal information

AAAA does not collect personal information unless it is necessary for us to carry out our role as the representative body and industry association of the automotive parts, accessories, tools and equipment industry and organise related trade shows and other industry events.

When practicable, personal information will only be collected from the individual concerned. There are a number of methods of collecting personal information directly from you, including:

We have received information from the following third parties through services provided to us: International Exhibition and Conference Group Pty Ltd and ACA Research Nominees Pty Ltd. You have access to the information collected upon your request in writing (see below).

The type of information that AAAA collects about you will depend on the nature of the service provided.

We collect, hold and use your personal information for the following purposes:

  • to identify you;
  • to create and manage your membership;
  • to provide information on the members directory (enabling members to network);
  • for segmentation and profiling purposes for AAAA database to provide and improve our services, and business and industry information to you;
  • to provide you with business and industry information;
  • to provide our services to you;
  • to improve our services, business and industry information;
  • arrange trade shows and other industry events;
  • promotional purposes and sending marketing materials to you;
  • contact you for market feedback purposes, to obtain your opinion on current industry matters, the development of new products and services;
  • to address your complaints;
  • in relation to your image on film or photograph taken at an event, to report the event, to promote such an event in future, to promote us and may be used in the publicly available Australian Automotive Aftermarket magazine in both electronic and print format, and on our websites (https://aaaa.com.auhttps://www.aftermarketawards.com.au/https://aftermarketexpo.com.au/https://www.collisionrepair.com.au/information/about/ , https://www.autocare.org.au/ and https://www.aftermarket.com.au/);  and
  • to comply with our legal obligations and other purposes authorised by the Act.

If you do not provide us with your personal information, we may not be able to provide you with all of our services. It may also affect your use of the website.   (However, if you do not want your personal information to be used in this way, you may opt-out by contacting us at any time.)

If you attend our event, such as the Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo or the Australian Auto Aftermarket Awards event, you may be filmed or photographed, which may be used to report on the event, to promote such an event in future, to promote us and may be used in the publicly Australian Automotive Aftermarket magazine in both electronic and print format, and on our websites (https://www.aaaa.com.auhttps://www.aftermarketawards.com.au/https://aftermarketexpo.com.au/https://www.collisionrepair.com.au/information/about/ and  https://www.aftermarket.com.au/).  If you do not wish to be filmed or photographed, please let us know and also let our staff know at event facilitated by AAAA.  If it is reasonably practicable to do so we will obtain you consent.

If you provide us with personal information about another person, you must only do so with their consent and you warrant that the other person is aware of this Privacy Policy and any applicable Privacy Statement.

Disclosure of personal information

We may disclose your personal information to our employees, officers, related bodies corporate and third parties as far as reasonably necessary for the purposes set out above.  The third parties to whom we may disclose your personal information to include:

  • third party service providers to whom we outsource some of our functions;
  • insurers, assessors, and underwriters;
  • professional advisors and consultants (such as lawyers, accountants, and auditors);
  • government and regulatory authorities, as required by law and/or in the course of providing our services to you; and
  • website hosts.

We may also disclose your personal information to a third party where authorised by you, where permitted/required to do so by law or where you have consented.

Disclosure to overseas recipients

The AAAA has international members, your personal information may be accessed outside Australia by international members accessing the Member Directory outside of Australia, these members are likely to be located in the following countries France, Germany, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore. Slovenia, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America.

If you do not want your personal information to be accessible to international members you may choose to opt-out of being listed on the Member Directory by informing us at any time, however we may not be able to provide all our services to you.

Disclosure to third parties

Where we disclose personal information to third parties, we will take reasonable steps to ensure that they comply with the Act, including the APPs, and this policy, including, with the exception of international members, where the recipient is located overseas (unless the overseas recipient is subject to a binding legislative regime that is effective as, or substantially similar to, the Australian privacy regime).

Data security

AAAA stores information in different ways, including in hard copy or electronic format.  AAAA will take all reasonable steps to protect personal information from loss, misuse or unauthorised access. Some of the steps the AAAA has taken to protect the security of your personal information include:

  • computer and network security including passwords and other electronic barriers;
  • policies for destroying or permanently de-identifying personal information no longer required (subject to legal requirements for retaining certain records);
  • restricting access to those AAAA employees and contractors who need it to perform their legitimate AAAA business activities and responsibilities;
  • confidentiality requirements of our employees, contractors and other service providers.

Website, Cookies and Web Analytics

AAAA websites at https://www.aaaa.com.au https://aftermarketexpo.com.au/https://www.collisionrepair.com.au/information/about/ and https://www.aftermarket.com.au/ (AAAA websites) are hosted in Australia.

When you visit AAAA websites we may collect certain information such as server address, browser type, operating system, website visited immediately before coming to our site, the pages you accessed on the websites, how long you visited, the date and time you visited, your geographical location and type of device used. This information is used in an aggregated manner to analyse how people use our site, such that we can improve our service.

We may also use ‘cookies’.  A cookie is a small file AAAA websites places on your computer so that it can remember your preferences and improves your experience of AAAA websites.  You can block placement of cookies in your browser settings.  You can also clear cookies from your browser.  If you do this, some parts of AAAA websites might not work as well.

AAAA websites use Google Analytics which collects information about the use of the website and traffic to the website.  We use Google Analytics to promote our goods and services, including by allowing us to provide advertising to you on websites not owned by us.  You can choose to opt-out of Google Analytics collecting and using your data by downloading the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

The AAAA privacy policy extends to any personal information collected from AAAA websites.

AAAA websites contain links to other internet sites belonging to other parties and are not subject to AAAA’s privacy policy. AAAA does not guarantee the completeness, accuracy of, or accept any responsibility for, information contained within any linked sites. You will need to contact those websites to determine their privacy policy.

Quality and correction

AAAA will endeavour to ensure that the personal information we hold about you is complete, accurate and up to date. In order to assist us to achieve this, it is important that you advise AAAA when your details change, are inaccurate or not up-to-date such as when you change address. You may contact AAAA at any time if you would like your details corrected.

AAAA members can assist by ensuring that all their details are correct on membership renewal forms.

Access

AAAA will provide access to the personal information that we hold about you except in limited circumstances (for example, when providing access would have an unreasonable impact on the privacy of others or denying access is required or authorised by law).

Requests for access to your personal information should be in writing to AAAA. We will respond to all requests for access within 30 days. In the interest of protecting the privacy of all of our members and customers, AAAA must properly identify you (for example, by requiring some form of identification such as a driver’s licence or passport) before access to information is provided.

If your request is accepted, access may involve you inspecting or taking notes or making photocopies of your personal information. If your request is rejected, we will provide reasons for denying access.

Generally, there is no fee for access to personal information. However, AAAA may charge a reasonable fee for access if the information is archived or if AAAA has incurred administrative costs in locating and/or reproducing the information.

You may contact AAAA on the contact details provided below at any time to request information about generally the sort of personal information AAAA holds, for what purposes and how it is collected, used and disclosed.

Complaint handling process

If you have any concerns about the way your personal information has been managed by AAAA you may make a complaint to us. We request that you put your complaint in writing mailed to the address or email set out below. We will investigate and respond to privacy complaints within 30 days.

If you are not satisfied with the response we provide, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner with you query or complaint.

Contact AAAA

If you have queries, concerns or would like to access or revise your personal records maintained by AAAA, please contact AAAA:

Contact us

Attn:                                    AdministratorBusiness Name:     Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Ltd

Address:                              7-8 Bastow Place, Mulgrave, Victoria 3170

Email:                                   [email protected]

Phone:                                (03) 9545 3333

Website:                              https://www.aaaa.com.au/

More information

More information about the Act and the APPs is available from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at http://www.oaic.gov.au.

co owners – l1 automotive group

liz & Keith Perkins

Liz has spent over six years immersed in the automotive industry, working across multiple advanced roles including mobile module programming, ADAS calibration, key systems, and technical instruction. Her hands-on experience and teaching ability make her a respected expert in both service execution and technician development.
 

With over 2 decades of experience in the automotive industry, Keith has served in nearly every technical and leadership role—from engine machinist and dyno tuner to diagnostic technician, instructor, and technical information specialist. His deep technical expertise and hands-on experience make him a trusted authority in diagnostics, programming, and industry education.

Keith is the co-owner of L1 Automotive Group, alongside his wife Liz. The group is comprised of three distinct businesses:

    • L1 Automotive Diagnostics and Programming — A mobile-only service provider supporting repair shops and collision centers across Tulsa and Oklahoma City with advanced diagnostics, ADAS calibration, module programming, 1234yf handling, and immobilizer/key solutions.
    • Level 1 Automotive — A full-service brick-and-mortar repair facility delivering complete repair and maintenance services to the public in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
    • L1 Automotive Training — A technical training company that is globally recognized as the authority in technical training, delivering online education, live instruction at major expos worldwide, and custom content development for leading industry organizations and government entities.

scott hicks

expert technologist – Australian Lubricants Association

Ross walker

Ross Walker. Ross has worked in lubricants for 30 years and is a member of the Australian Lubricants Association Technical Committee as well as a certified Lubrication Specialist with the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers.

automotive application specialist – pico technology

steve smith

Steve Smith began his career in 1983, rising from a YTS apprentice to a Toyota/Lexus Master Technician. Over three decades on the shop floor, he earned numerous accolades, including becoming a three-time Toyota Technician of the Year and taking silver at the European Skills Grand Prix.

In 2013, Steve joined Pico Technology as an Automotive Application Specialist. Today, he leverages his extensive diagnostic expertise to support PicoScope users globally. Whether through written case studies, “problem car” videos, or training sessions, Steve is dedicated to helping technicians master the diagnostic journey and navigate the evolving complexities of modern vehicle repair.

head of technical transformation – mycar tyre and auto

Thomas Hatch

Thomas Hatch is the Head of Technical Transformation at mycar Tyre & Auto, bringing a hands-on, solutions-driven mindset shaped by his upbringing on a remote family farm. From fixing machinery to building systems and leading teams, Tom applies practical skills with strategic insight to drive business-wide transformation.

Technically minded and deeply analytical, Tom is known for his precision, creative problem-solving and commitment to continuous improvement. He combines a strong technical foundation with a passion for developing new ideas, systems and technologies. His leadership is defined by high personal standards, attention to detail, and a focus on getting things done—accurately and efficiently.

Executive General Manager – ADAS

Rob mildenhall

Rob Mildenhall is a senior automotive industry leader with more than two decades of experience directing sales teams and delivering strong results across the supply chain. His leadership strengths—strategy, communication and empowerment—are underpinned by his passion, determination and confidence.

Rob’s career includes senior roles such as General Manager of Gearmax (formerly Borg Warner), Business Development Manager for Capricorn in South Africa, and National Panel Manager for Capricorn’s collision sector in Australia. He has spent 21 years specialising in OEM and collision repair, and served as Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association, the Business Chamber, and on the RMI Board and Executive Committee in South Africa.

Since 2018, Rob has focused on the growing ADAS sector, working with leading suppliers and advocating for access to OEM repair methods for the independent repair market.

chief people and culture officer – bapcor

merryl dooley

Merryl joined Bapcor in October 2022 as Chief People and Culture Officer.

Merryl is an experienced strategic executive who has held Chief People Officer (CPO) roles for over 10 years across entertainment, retail and fashion.

Merryl is a commercial and empowering leader with a global mindset and proven experience in facilitating cultural and transformational change, with a passion for building values-led, inclusive organisations.

She was Chief People and Sustainability Officer at Decjuba and prior to that was the CPO at Tabcorp Holdings Limited for over 10 years where she had accountability for People, Culture, Safety and Communications.
Merryl holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of NSW, and a Bachelor of Arts (Education) from Melbourne University. She is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and President of the Williamstown Football Club and a member of the Hawthorn Football Club nominations committee.

Head of Equipment & Tools – cooldrive auto parts

matthew douglass

As the Head of Equipment & Tools at CoolDrive Auto Parts, Matthew leads the company’s growing Tools and Equipment division. With more than 30 years in the automotive industry, Matthew brings experience in diagnostic tool manufacturing at OEM and aftermarket levels.


Early in his career he completed an automotive apprenticeship in the family business, which gave him a solid foundation, and understanding of the automotive industry. His passion for the industry and commitment to quality now drive his work at CoolDrive, where he’s focused on expanding the product offering and strengthening the company’s position in the diagnostic and equipment sector. Matthew is known for his hands-on approach, customer focus and drive to deliver the very best tools and support to workshops across the country.

director of government relations & advocacy – aaaa

lesley yates

Lesley Yates is Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association. Lesley manages AAAA advocacy campaigns, designing creative and innovative solutions to address the greatest challenges facing our industry and then lobbying and encouraging government to make the right decisions to support our industry.

In 2021, after a decade of AAAA campaigning for fair and open competition, the new motor vehicle repair law was passed in Australian Parliament. This legislation is the result of a tireless and persistent grassroots campaign by the AAAA. Lesley is now tackling our ongoing substantial industry challenges, including the workforce shortage crisis and government vehicle modification regulations.

chief people officer – mycar tyre & auto

fiona murphy

Fiona Murphy is the Chief People Officer at mycar Tyre & Auto. In this role, Fiona is responsible for HR, Safety, Talent, Internal Communications, L&D and Sustainability.

Prior to joining mycar, Fiona held senior HR roles across many industries and three continents, including education; community services; not for profit; retail; media; technology; and engineering. With qualifications in psychology and law, Fiona’s expertise spans employee relations, employee engagement, learning and organisational development, and workplace health and safety. She is passionate about building great cultures and ensuring organisations have a people first focus.

In addition to her role at mycar, Fiona was Deputy Chair of the Automotive Light Vehicle Industry Reference Council for a number of years, and is now a proud member of AAAAWomen, championing careers for women in the automotive aftermarket.

Principal Lawyer – industry legal group

Emma Dalley

Emma is the Principal Lawyer and Director of Industry Legal Group Pty Ltd (ILG) which delivers the AAAA Employer Assist member service in partnership with the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association.

Emma is admitted as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Queensland and has a dual degree in Business Management and Law. Emma is an experienced employment lawyer with a special knowledge and understanding of the industry having provided workplace relations advice and support to the Automotive Aftermarket industry for more than 8 years.

owner – highfields mechanical

craig baills

Craig Baills has over thirty years of experience and success in the automotive industry, as both a technician and business owner.

 

As a director with the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), MTAQ Committee member and owner of two workshops – Highfield Mechanical and Hi-Mech Auto Solutions Craig has a broad understanding of the automotive industry and the challenges and opportunities facing the aftermarket. 

 

From workshop management, developing key customer relationships and aftermarket support, Craig has a track record of success implementing processes that improve efficiency, reduce costs and ultimately increase revenues in line with company objectives.

 

Craig has a deep desire to leave the automotive industry in a better place than when he started, and help other automotive aftermarket workshops survive and grow in a rapidly changing industry and enjoys sharing his knowledge at industry events across the country.

CEO – Business success global

robert snook

Professionally, Robert has 42 years of 360 degree collision industry experience having worked at all levels in bodyshops, then a paint company, multi-site distribution and co-owning a fast growing, multi-award-winning MSO bodyshop business.

Today, he is known as the owner and CEO of Business Success Global, where he is a sought after global keynote speaker, professional event moderator, licensed business coach, respected consultant, trusted mentor and engaging trainer for well known brands across the global collision industry.

Personally, Robert is based in the UK and Türkiye, but works globally. Robert happily lives with Vivien, his partner of 36 years. They have one son Owen, who is married to Ella and two grandchildren, Thomas and Henry who Grandpa absolutely adores and teaches plenty of things he probably shouldn’t 😊

director – fifth quadrant

ben selwyn

Ben Selwyn is a highly experienced research analyst, who has spent over 15 years advising clients in automotive, telecommunications, financial services, technology and the public sector.

He leads the fifth quadrant automotive practice in providing strategic insights to leading aftermarket suppliers, and works closely with the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) on its market intelligence program.

Ben is an expert at working with big data and making it relevant to day-to-day business decision making. He is highly valued for his analysis of trend data and his ability to predict future trends and how the industry should respond to these trends.

Chief people officer – amotiv

barbara harrison

Barbara has over 20 years leading People & Culture teams in organisations across both private and public sectors in Australia and New Zealand. Having worked with Amotiv (formerly GUD Holdings) for the past five years, Barbara describes moving to her current role as Amotiv’s Chief People Officer as one of the best decisions made in her career to date.

Barbara loves working with great people in support of creating a culture where people can thrive and be their authentic and ‘best self’ at work – firmly believing that by putting people at the heart of what an organisation does, great commercial, professional, and personal outcomes can be achieved.

Chief people officer – gpc asia pacific

Aileen Hayes

Aileen Hayes is the Chief People Officer at GPC Asia Pacific the largest automotive aftermarket and industrial parts supplier in Australia and New Zealand.

Aileen has been in the Automotive Industry for over 15 years. Prior to joining GPC, Aileen spent several years in HR and Operations roles with the Home Depot North America. She started her career in the aviation sector with Airways Air Traffic control New Zealand before holding various HR Manager and Strategy consulting roles in the United Kingdom.

As Chief People Officer, Aileen is responsible setting and overseeing the execution of the business’s overall people strategy harnessing her passion for attracting and retaining incredible talent and developing a highly capable, customer centric and engaged team. Promoting our industry to attract the next generation of aftermarket talent is a passion and crucial focus.

With a degree in Psychology, Aileen has also completed several Executive Education programs at Wharton and Emory University USA and Monash University.

Aileen is also proud member of AAAAWomen, championing careers for women in the automotive aftermarket.

CEO – AAAA

stuart charity

Stuart Charity is a passionate, well respected industry leader, having served the automotiveindustry in a variety of roles across a distinguished career. Stuart is CEO of the AustralianAutomotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), which represents 4,100member businesses andthe entire automotive aftermarket, an industry which contributes $25B annually to theeconomy.

Stuart’s previous career experience has enhanced his knowledge and market understanding tomake informed strategic decisions and offer respected insights. Before his time at AAAA, Stuartserved as the Executive Director of the Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia (SAE-A).Earlier, as the Automotive Industry Specialist with Austrade, Stuart successfully assistedautomotive component manufacturers to develop new export markets.