GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #28 | Page 16

RV FEATURE While welcoming the introduction of the RVSA on the basis that it would “clean out the cowboys from the industry”, he said the federal government had been adamant that importers either comply, or die. “If they can’t get the products that they’re importing onto the Register of Approved Vehicles in time, they’ll be gone. They won’t be able to sell their products in Australia,” he said. PUSHING FOR CHANGE The CIAA lobbied for changes to the MVSA for five years before the federal parliament finally passed the RVSA. “Caravan Industry Association of Australia remains committed to consumer safety and manufacturing compliance and is heavily involved in the RVSA roll-out, actively participating in the four consultation groups formed by the federal government to provide feedback on all aspects of the proposed methods of implementation,” Mr Field said. The CIAA expects the RVSA to strengthen the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Accreditation Program (RVMAP), the national body’s accreditation scheme in which manufacturing members have their products voluntarily audited for compliance. “The Caravan Industry Association of Australia has developed a strong relationship with the federal vehicle regulators and collaborates regularly with the department to ensure consistency of interpretation and application of federal regulations,” Mr Field said. “As such, RVMAP will continue to operate and accredit businesses that demonstrate a commitment to consistently supply product that adheres to relevant Australian Design Rules and federal compliance regulations.” 16 \ “THE RVSA WILL CLEAN OUT THE 'COWBOYS' FROM THE INDUSTRY.”