Legal challenge to registration hurdles in Australia - any interest?

[just dreamin]

I have been involved in a talkfest with authorities in South Aust. for the past decade or so, regarding the different treatment of, and requirements placed on replica Cobra builders.

The thrust of my submissions have been to contrast the concessions granted to street rod builders that are not available to Cobra builders.
I will try to keep this complex subject as simple as I can so that if there is any interest we may be able to cover it at the Nationals in Goulburn.

To summarise I found the following situations to be the case:

1. Street Rods are covered by regulations that apply to a modified car or a replica of a car manufactured up to 1948 generally.

2. Other replicas are classed as an ICV ( INDIVIDUALLY CONSTRUCTED VEHICLES)

For any changes to occur to the present arrangements means that the governing rules have to be changed. The people that change the rules are called politicians. However when politicians are asked a technical question (ie changing the rules), they would normally seek the advice of the relevant dept. so that they can respond.

The Dept. of Transport applies the rules and can issue exemptions for same if it is so decides. This same dept. issues the requirements that budding builders must meet in order that their builds be road registered.
Not much separation of power there!

I have some options for you to consider as to how this situation can alter but need to guage the level of interest out there.

[LoBelly]

PM sent



ta
LoBelly

[Rebel1]

Given you are in S.A. you might like to make contact with Bruce Allen, the ex editor of the ex national "Snaketales" magazine.

There was some effort some years back in this regard.

I do have Bruce's mob number from that era but don't know if it is current. PM me if you want that old number.

[xb-60]

Of course I'm interested!

Cheers,
Glen

[David Hodgson]

No need Les, Bruce and the Dreamer go way back. In fact they are a bit part of why we have the Nationals. They were involved from the very start with Mildura and then West Wyalong
He has been pushing this barrow tirelessly for for a long long time and rather than chase restricted club rego for our cars, we should get on the band wagon and help him achieve what the hot rodders have. We need big numbers to lobby

[David Hodgson]

No need Les, Bruce and the Dreamer go way back. In fact they are a bit part of why we have the Nationals. They were involved from the very start with Mildura and then West Wyalong
He has been pushing this barrow tirelessly for for a long long time and rather than chase restricted club rego for our cars, we should get on the band wagon and help him achieve what the hot rodders have. We need big numbers to lobby

[David Hodgson]

F$@&!n ipads

[Rebel1]

Originally Posted by David Hodgson

we should get on the band wagon and help him achieve what the hot rodders have. We need big numbers to lobby

Totally agree David, should have been done years ago when it was first mooted.

I'm led to believe there was very little support from the various states.

[David Hodgson]

Originally Posted by Rebel1

Totally agree David, should have been done years ago when it was first mooted.

I'm led to believe there was very little support from the various states.

I think it was the old someone else will do it syndrome and whilst ever there are other easier options such as club rego schemes, and those that had their cars registered, no one wanted to do the hard yards. Well the club schemes seem to be tightening up and this isn't an option for everyone. Also with the relaxing of the side exhaust outlet rule and the IM240 test allowing a reasonable engine choice, I think builders won't see it as an issue that needs their attention.
IF it's not lobbied for and just left, we might find in 5 years or so, new regs that will be so prohibitive that ICV's will be a thing of the past.

[Dimis]

Where do I sign?

And further still how many do we need?

[Lexluther]

I am in. Where do I sign?

[just dreamin]

Thanks Dave, gee your quick out of the starting blocks. Glen you will be kept in the loop and message to lobelly sent.
Rebel1 there was some support at the time but it dwindled for a number of reasons.

The timing of this post is to take the window of opportunity the Nats provides. For those that are there I can provide an update on my efforts and identify to them the obstacles I have encountered.
It would be silly to conduct a campaign on an open forum in detail. However if there is enough interest we can open up the communication lines with contact people in the various locations.

Let me just start with this example for the doubters and the nay sayers out there.

I am too old to pay an engineer thousands of $ to register a car so that I can alter it as soon as I get home and make it illegal and un roadworthy.
I am also unimpressed that a replica category is recognised for a car that was never built in any factory or production line, doesn't have a manufacturers brand, and could not be purchased at time of original sale from any retailer or dealer.
Street rods were built in back yards by unqualified individuals that learned how to weld by trial and error and read Hotrod mags to see what the Yanks were up to so that they could be cool and knowledgeable.

Before I was eighteen I had an A mod roadster, a 37 ford coupe and some 650 Triumphs etc and I can tell you all, that fixed any desire I had for street rods.
My choice of car when I left home and Joined the Army in late 1965 was a one year old EH Holden Premier.

[just dreamin]

Dimis we need only a team in each state to support each member as it can be a long haul and peer support is the best elixir.

The reason for each state is that the regulators meet on a regular national basis and if this is only canvased in one state it is only considered a temporary nuisance by some local individuals.

[deano59]

im in

[gjkrv8]

What about our Federal Independent Senator for the Motor Enthusiast Party etc - Would an approach to him be worth trying???

Cheers Gregg

[xb-60]

Originally Posted by gjkrv8

What about our Federal Independent Senator for the Motor Enthusiast Party etc - Would an approach to him be worth trying???

Cheers Gregg

May be an approach should be made to him (Ricky Muir). Maybe some federal level influence on state motoring and licensing matters should be expected, as didn't the states have to make some changes to road/traffic laws back more than ten years ago so that all states were reasonably consistent?

Cheers,
Glen

[just dreamin]

Interesting suggestion, Ricky has been out of the spotlight for a while. We can always send him a summary of our situation and see the response.
Maybe leave that for the time being and see what happens at the nats.

Hopefully we can create a strategy and timeframe as well as gauge the level of interest and support from members.
At this time I make it about eight of us.

[Rebel1]

Back in the past the Qld Dept of Transport was more than willing to listen and discuss.

Don Pilling was the Qld. co-ordinator and If I remember correctly the DOT suggested that all clubs, not just the Cobra guys, would have to be involved.

I think that's where it all fell to pieces as not all clubs were supportive.

[just dreamin]

Your correct Rebel1, I had discussions with Don at that time and he was the right man for task.
However a new voice appeared in Vic starring a cast of high profile industry players and may have had backing from the Vic Chamber of commerce.
Not sure if they are still active but we all hoped they had the contacts and muscle to push for change.

Back to the present:
Tomorrow I have been invited to a meeting with a lawyer who has a basic knowledge of my past quest. This is to prioritise the options available to us and list tactics that may work. The probable starting point will be a new submission to the transport minister and whether we cc. the same to the opposition at this time
We now have a different transport minister in SA as the last one I corresponded with was not re-elected.
I will pm respondents to this post with my mobile number before we leave for the nats so we can get together at a convenient time/place if so desired in Goulburn.

[Treeve]

try getting hold of the ACMC in NSW for all the support you could ask for.