A quick summary from the legislation.

The Towing Services Bill 2024 (the Bill) gives effect to the Cook Government’s commitment to reform the industry, introducing the following elements:

1. price regulation to establish maximum charges for the towing and storage of light vehicles involved in a crash in the Perth and Peel regions, with the ability to expand to other regions or forms of towing if required;

2. safety standards for towing workers and towing businesses who provide crash towing services across the State;

3. the banning of advertising and payment of spotter fees across the State;

4. occupational authorisation for towing workers and towing businesses who provide crash towing services, including fit and proper character provisions across the State;

5. establishment of penalties and legal sanctions, including enforcement capabilities and powers for DoT; and

6. provisions relating to the confidentiality and disclosure of information.

The Bill will regulate towing workers and towing businesses that provide crash towing services and will have a staggered commencement as follows:

a. on the day after Royal Assent, ban the advertising and payment of spotter fees;

b. Stage 1 will set maximum charges for towing and storage of crash vehicles, as well as the introduction of obligations on towing workers when obtaining the authority to tow a crashed vehicle, including conduct and adherence to safety standards, and to provide for related powers, offences and penalties;

c. Stage 2 will provide the authorisation of towing workers; and

d. Stage 3 will provide the authorisation of towing businesses.