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.

Aaron de Rozario joined the National Transport Commission in July 2021 and is responsible for NTC’s regulatory reform initiatives portfolio including the automated vehicle, heavy vehicle and legislative reform programs.
Aaron has over 20 years public sector experience in both Australia and the United Kingdom and has as a strong record of achievement in the economic development, education, social justice policy and transport portfolios. He has advised the Western Australian and Victorian governments on industry reform, regulatory matters and the impact of technology on public policy. Prior to joining the NTC, Aaron was Chief Executive officer of Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria, where he led the Victorian government’s commercial passenger vehicle reforms and heavily influenced Australia’s policy response to ridesharing.
Aaron has a strong interest in technology and using technology to improve safety and regulatory outcomes.

Anna is currently serving as the Executive Director of Legislation Standards and Accreditation with TMR’s Land Transport Safety and Regulation Branch, assuming responsibility for crucial areas such as policy formulation, accreditation, legislation reform, contracts, systems security and vehicle standards. Prior to this Anna held executive leadership roles overseeing regulatory affairs, governance, risk, compliance and business resilience in in high-risk safety and community critical transport sector organisations.

A strong promoter of modernising policy, identifying efficiencies and embedding data driven intelligence led risk-based practices into ways of working. She brings extensive experience in sponsoring and leading transformation programs and driving continuous improvement and change to deliver quality organisational, stakeholder and community outcomes.

With a strong customer focus, her leadership skills and experience provide for TMR and its stakeholders collaboratively achieving Government priorities, and actively working to enhance the safety and well-being of Queensland.

Anna and her team advocates for consistent vehicle standards and national harmonisation, particularly in regulating vehicle modifications, to ensure safety, compliance, and uniformity across jurisdictions.

Andrew currently leads the engineering teams for Kaymar, Rola, Eastcoast Bullbars, Cruisemaster and Advanced Engineering at Autopacific Group. Andrew’s passion is for technical leadership and quality in all aspects of product development in which he is involved. Andrew holds CPEng, EngExec and APQld and takes an active position in vehicle and trailer compliance sitting on multiple standards and ADR committees.

Ray is currently a non-executive director of AMA group limited.  (ASX:AMA) Founded in 2005, and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 2006, AMA is an ASX listed company with over 3,200 team members across a network of collision repair centres spanning Australia and New Zealand, and an integrated supply chain for collision parts and workshop products.

Ray is also the Managing Director of Creative Conversions in Brendale, Queensland, A full volume federal level second-stage vehicle manufacturer Specialising in remanufacturing Toyota vehicles with significant improvements in towing, load carrying GVM/GCM capacities, including wagon-based Landcruiser’s into extended wheelbase dual cab utility vehicles. 

During his time in the aftermarket space spanning 35 plus years, Ray has held several Managing director roles and was responsible for the leadership and growth of brands from a broad scope of the marketplace, including East Coast Bullbars, Custom Alloy, Uneek 4×4 products, Barden Fabrications, CSM Service Bodies, Alloy Motor Accessories, KT Cable Accessories, Roo Systems Australia, Fluid Drive Holdings, ASNU transmission products and now Creative Conversions.

From 2007- December 2019, Ray was the founding Chair of the Australian 4WD Industry Council, A non-competitive, specialist council of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA). During this time Ray was involved in significant regulatory areas from Standards to policy at a Federal and State level.

Ray was a founding director of the Australian Technical College of North Brisbane from 2005 to 2009. 

Aaron graduated from Swinburne University of Technology in 2022 with an Associate Degree in Engineering (Mechanical) and am a qualified mechanic, having earned a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Automotive Technology through the Hyundai Advanced Apprenticeship Academy.
Currently, Aaron works as a GVM/Load Ryder Engineer at Pedders Suspension & Brakes, overseeing the engineering aspects of the Pedders GVM program. Previously, Aaron gained experience at Walkinshaw Automotive Group (Holden Special Vehicles) and completed my apprenticeship with Frankston Hyundai & Subaru.

Stuart Charity is a passionate, well-respected industry leader, having served the automotive industry in various roles across a distinguished career. Stuart is CEO of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), which represents 4,100member businesses and the entire automotive aftermarket, an industry that contributes $25B annually to the economy.

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

With over 30 years in the automotive industry, I’ve gained a wide range of skills, from hands-on experience as a Diesel Fitter to leadership roles in the aftermarket accessories sector. My career has included working in both small businesses and corporate environments, giving me a strong understanding of operations, sales, and management.
A highlight of my career was owning and running TJM Brendale for over seven years. I grew the business from the ground up, honing my skills in leadership, business development, financial management, and customer relations. After selling the business, I returned to the corporate sector, further enhancing my adaptability and understanding of both entrepreneurial and corporate structures.
Through diverse roles, I’ve developed real-world expertise and contributed to the growth and success of every organization I’ve been part of.

Amy Westbrook is the dynamic CEO and business brain behind BAW Automotive, leading the company to the forefront of the 4×4 industry with visionary leadership and an unwavering passion for off-road innovation. With a sharp focus on strategic growth and operational excellence, Amy has transformed BAW into a powerhouse known for delivering cutting-edge 4×4 builds and modifications.

Her entrepreneurial spirit, combined with an innate understanding of the 4WD community, has positioned BAW Automotive as a trusted name among adventurers and enthusiasts alike. Amy’s commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in off-road performance continues to drive the company to new heights, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the 4×4 world.

Alan Butler is a Mechanic and small business owner who has 30 years in the industry. 
After completing an apprenticeship in multi dealer and suspension and steering workshops, he worked as a Subaru specialist mechanic both for another business and later his own business. Over the years his interests moved towards vehicle customisation and engine conversions as well as a foray into designing and manufacturing a turbo kit for the Toyota 86 and BRZ twins. 
Some guest appearances on the hugely popular Australian YouTube show “Mighty Car Mods” eventually led to his own YouTube show “The Skid Factory” which produced weekly episodes for 7 years following the progress of project vehicles and explaining the processes and requirements. 
Alan is taking a break from YouTube but is still working in the industry building modified vehicles of all types from his home base.