If you buy it, why can't you fix it? Here's why we still don't have the 'right to repair'

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The problem is, many modern products are designed so that you can’t fix them.

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Provider: 
The ConversationThe Conversation
URL: 
https://theconversation.com/if-you-buy-it-why-cant-you-fix-it-heres-why-we-still-dont-have-the-right-to-repair-203236https://theconversation.com/if-you-buy-it-why-cant-you-fix-it-heres-why-we-still-dont-have-the-right-to-repair-203236
Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 17, 2023
Information
Tags: 
Intellectual property, Mechanics, Industry, Life, Electronics, Policy, Recycling, American Farm Bureau Federation, Government, Productivity Commission, European, Environment, Labour, Safety, Consumer electronics, Cryptocurrency, Lumber, Shoemaking, Property management, Road, Agriculture, EU
Geotags: 
EUROPEAN UNION, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, INDIA, UNITED STATES, COLORADO
Summary
Key Points: 
  • The problem is, many modern products are designed so that you can’t fix them.
  • Or you have to go through the manufacturer, which may well just give you a new one.
  • The end result: millions of expensive products, from cars to phones to appliances, end up in the rubbish tip.
  • That’s why many countries and jurisdictions are introducing laws enshrining your right to repair products.

So what’s the hold-up?

    • The Productivity Commission assessed the case for a broader right to repair almost two years ago and released its final report in late 2021.
    • Here, it pointed to the opportunity to give independent repairers
      greater access to repair supplies, and increase competition for repair services, without compromising public safety or discouraging innovation.
    • greater access to repair supplies, and increase competition for repair services, without compromising public safety or discouraging innovation.
    • The design of products is also a vital way to reduce waste going to landfill or, worse, the oceans.

What are other countries doing?

    • America’s proposed right to repair laws vary by state in terms of what industries they cover.
    • They range from the first ever right to repair agricultural equipment in Colorado through to all-encompassing consumer-focused laws.
    • Canada is looking to reform its copyright act to introduce a consumer right to repair electronics, home appliances and farming equipment.

Why have these laws taken so long?

    • There is a long and predictable list of opponents to right to repair laws.
    • By and large, opposition comes from the manufacturers who see these laws as a hit to their bottom line.
    • The problem is, voluntary agreements often don’t work and regulation is needed for the manufacturers to act upon their promises.

What would right to repair laws mean for Australia?


    If we gain the right to repair, we could:
    • If we return to the old ways of repairing rather than throwing out products, we would also trigger a rebirth of repair-based businesses, employment growth and up-skilling.
    • But these benefits will only arrive if the government ensures any such laws are binding.
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