Another key milestone has been reached in the proposed amalgamation, with the Accommodation Association of Australia Council and the Australian Hotels Association Board separately agreeing the Scheme of Amalgamation to create a new peak body, Accommodation Australia.Accommodation Australia will become a single national voice for the sector through the proposed merging of the Accommodation Association (AAoA) and Tourism Accommodation Australia[1]. A joint application to the Fair Work Commission to proceed will now be lodged.
With both the AAoA and the AHA registered under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act, there are a number of regulatory steps to follow as part of the proposed amalgamation process which is on track for completion in mid-2023:
- This includes a Fair Work Commission hearing in late November as part of its decision to allow the amalgamation to go to a member ballot
- In Feb 2023, the Australian Electoral Commission will conduct a secret postal ballot of AAoA members
- In April 23, the FWC makes its final orders regarding the proposed amalgamation
It’s intended that Leanne Harwood will be the inaugural President of the merged entity, with Sean Hunt Vice President, and Bruce Copland Treasurer.
Quotes attributable to Leanne Harwood, Accommodation Association Chair:
“With substantial work from both organisations over the past 16 months, the amalgamation is now progressing to the next stage. As member led and member driven organisations, we stand united in our mission to deliver members a new merged body with an independent board and leadership team to best represent their interests.”
“We are one step closer to unlocking the power of a unified national voice for the accommodation industry, which is critical as we continue to rebuild our businesses after one of the worst trading environments in decades.”
“Accommodation Australia will draw on the considerable scale of our combined member base to ensure accommodation takes the lead in tourism decision making with government, given the flow on economic effect to local communities and businesses when providers like hotels, motels and caravan parks enjoy elevated occupancy.”
“We are taking the time to get this right and secure the relevant regulatory approvals from the FWC as efficiently as possible. I’m pleased to share the search for the first CEO of Accommodation Australia is already underway.”
“As we continue working to build the best outcomes for members in terms of representation through a clear voice, we need our members to also continue working with us on overcoming all of the challenges we face. As a member organisation, the Accommodation Association need the support of our members to continue to monitor, respond to and advocate for policy decisions that work for you, especially at a Federal level and where new governments are elected, to ensure the best outcomes for your businesses and our industry as we continue recovering post Covid.”
Quotes attributable to Sean Hunt, TAA Board Member and proposed VP Accommodation Australia
“There’s no doubt today is a pivotal moment for the accommodation sector nationwide. For the first time we have come together with one voice – it truly is an historic moment,” Mr Hunt said.
“After a tough two years for our industry, is great to see both the Accommodation Association National Council and the AHA National Executive and Board unanimously agree to move forward together – with the proposed rules and scheme of amalgamation now going to the Fair Work Commission for approval.”
“While there are still some steps to take along the road, today marks a major milestone to providing that one strong, united voice for accommodation, a voice in which all members and stakeholders have a say as we work together for the betterment of all.”
