Right to Repair reforms extend to farm machinery

Following a state and territory Treasurers meeting last week, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has confirmed that agricultural machinery will be included in national Right to Repair reforms.

According to modelling by the Productivity Commission, this reform could lift agricultural production to $97 million.

National Farmers Federation President, Hamish McIntyre, said the announcement was a big win for the organisation and farmers alike following years of advocacy, delivering much needed competition and productivity uplift.

“Farmers will finally have more freedom to choose who services and repairs their machinery. That means less downtime, lower costs, and more control over their own businesses,” he said.

“When a machine breaks down in the middle of harvest, waiting on an authorised dealer isn’t just inconvenient, it can cost tens of thousands of dollars. This reform will help farmers stay productive and competitive, which is exactly what farmers and the economy needs.”

While the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA) also welcomes the decision, the organisation warns against modifying the equipment in ways that will risk safety, compliance and productivity.

“We fully support a farmer’s right to repair their own machine and the ability to use third-party repairers. What we don’t support is the right to modify machines in ways that may compromise safety, emissions compliance, or global manufacturing standards,” said TMA executive director, Gary Northover.

Northover also warned that agricultural machinery cannot be treated the same way as cars under Australia’s Motor Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme. “Modern tractors and harvesters are among the most advanced pieces of equipment on farms. They are highly computerised, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and built to stringent global safety and environmental standards.

“Simply grouping them with motor vehicles for regulation might seem convenient but doesn’t address the unique challenges farmers face when operating and maintaining these machines safely,” he said.

He added recent proposals such as mandating generic parts compatibility across brands or requiring manufacturers to release 3D printing specifications are unrealistic and could undermine global supply chains and safety systems.

“These ideas may sound appealing in theory but ignore the complexity of global manufacturing and the critical safety standards that keep modern machines reliable and compliant,” Northover said.

He reaffirmed the TMA’s commitment to engaging with government, farmers, and industry partners to reach a balanced outcome.

“Our goal is to support Australian farmers’ ability to maintain and repair their equipment without compromising safety or the technology that makes today’s machines efficient and sustainable.”