The proposed merger of the Accommodation Association (AAoA) and Tourism Accommodation Australia is another step closer after Accommodation Association of Australia Council and the Australian Hotels Association Board agreed on a Scheme of Amalgamation.
A joint application will now be submitted to the Fair Work Commission with the merger on track for completion in mid-2023.
As previously reported, Leanne Harwood will be the inaugural President of the merged entity, while Sean Hunt will take up the position of Vice President, and Bruce Copland will be Treasurer.
“With substantial work from both organisations over the past 16 months, the amalgamation is now progressing to the next stage,” said incoming Accommodation Australia President, Leanne Harwood.
“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.”
Harwood said the search for the first CEO of Accommodation Australia is “already underway”.
A Fair Work Commission hearing will be held in late November to allow the amalgamation to go to a member ballot, this will be followed by a secret postal ballot of AAoA members conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission in February 2023. In April, the FWC will make its final orders regarding the proposed amalgamation.
“We are taking the time to get this right and secure the relevant regulatory approvals from the FWC as efficiently as possible,” Harwood said.
Proposed Vice President Sean Hunt described it as 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,” he 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.”