Aflex Inflatables
Aflex Inflatables are the leaders for obstacle courses, pool toys, waterparks and land-based watersides and fitness runs. They are industry leaders offering the widest range of pool, lake and beach…
read moreIn a move set to cause confusion in the residential and retail aquatic industry, the Swimming Pool & Spa Association of NSW has relaunched itself as the Swimming Pool & Spa Alliance of Australia (SPASA Australia).
Aiming to establish itself as a new national peak body for the swimming pool industry, and having registered trading names including SPASA Australia and SPASA Australia Training, the name change looks set to create conflict and confusion with the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia (SPASA), industry's current national body and related associations in other states.
Commenting on the move, the SPASA NSW management and board said it was the only way forward following the ongoing failure of the current national body, the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia, to reach consensus on many vital issues.
SPASA NSW President, and now SPASA Australia President, Peter Moore explained "there is a great need for a national body.
"Unless the body is national, many government departments and Standards Australia do not want to liaise with you. SPASA NSW has built up great creditability and rapport with many government departments and Standards, which is a solid foundation to build on.
"In its current form, the SPASA Australia board can find it difficult to agree on some issues, and consequently issues may not be addressed adequately. The new Alliance will not be placed in this situation."
At the heart of the problem is the Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia constitution which stipulates that all decisions must be agreed unanimously by the five directors, each of whom are the presidents of respective state organisation.
Launched in Sydney today (Thursday 6th December) SPASA Australia Chief Executive Spiros Dassakis says that for some time there's been significant disharmony between the states relating to the operation of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia, and the NSW board has not been happy with the requirement for a unanimous vote. They would prefer to have a majority vote to decide proposals, and believe that would overcome the regular impasses in getting decisions made.
Dassakis also says that it's a critical point that no-one other than the state SPASAs are members of the existing national organisation. Therefore, neither state nor national members can use the existing Australian logo to show they are part of a national industry, nor can they have a direct voice in the organisation.
However, all members of SPASA NSW will now automatically become members of the new national body and will have the choice of using the existing NSW branding, or using the SPASA Australia logo.
The SPASA NSW board, which includes national members, will initially make up the Alliance board until elections are held in June 2013.
SPASA NSW will no longer participate in the national membership arrangement with the other state SPASAs, by which a fee is collected by the state where the national company is headquartered, and divided amongst the other states. What this means for the national membership arrangement with the other states is unclear at this stage.
As of 5th December 2012, any national member who wishes to join the Swimming Pool & Spa Alliance of Australia can apply directly.
Dassakis says they have received in-principle support from several key national members including Davey Water Products, International Quadratics, LoChlor Chemicals, Niagara Pool Supplies, Pentair, Spa Electrics, Sunbather, Waterco Ltd and Zodiac Australia. Additionally, the new organisation will be supported by international associations including the New Zealand Master Pool Builders Guild (NZMPBG) and the Malaysian Swimming Pool Association (MSPA).
In a statement, Dassakis explained "the swimming pool and spa industry is a significant economic contributor for Australia (and) the new alliance will assist with ensuring the continued growth and vibrancy of this important industry and is an opportunity to strengthen the industry in Australia."
"SPASA Australia was formed to represent the many and varied interests of the entire swimming pool and spa industry to a diverse audience, which includes government, investors, legislative bodies, consumers and media, as well as the membership itself.
"This alliance is all about delivering stronger services and advocacy for operators of swimming pool and spa and related industries around the country.
"It's long been acknowledged that we need one voice representing the industry, to effectively lobby both state and federal government on issues which have a resounding effect. Finally our industry will be represented by one united association with a strong and cohesive voice across the country."
SPASA Australia's focus will be to increase awareness of:
• The industry's value to the economy (Australia has the largest per capita rate of pool ownership in the world. The swimming pool industry is estimated to currently contribute in excess of $1 billion a year to GDP, while the spa industry is estimated to be worth around $300 million a year);
• The benefits SPASA Australia members provide to the health and wellbeing of Australia;
• The need for standards, accreditation and professionalism;
• The need for accessible, affordable and nationally recognised education and training across all sectors.
In addition to government advocacy, SPASA Australia aims to serve as a one-stop resource for its members, offering education and training by the only Registered Training Authority (RTO) in Australia, access to top industry consultants, and opportunities to collaborate and exchange ideas.
Dassakis adds "the decision to form an alliance rather than operate independently was made because it enables our members and other industry representatives to leverage on SPASA Australia's role as a peak body across all swimming pool and spa sectors in Australia, as well as a wider range of opportunities and networks.
"More than just providing a voice for the industry, SPASA Australia will be focused on action and influence. And this will be a collaborative approach; members and stakeholders across the entire retail, construction, manufacturing and supplier sectors will be able to prioritise the pressures they face and we will work together to devise actionable plans to help alleviate them."
Today's launch will be followed by a phased national roll out strategy, which will encompass services including:
• Launching the new association and informing members and all federal and state bodies of the new national body;
• Establishing a National Committee which will operate via majority vote, with industry portfolios to ensure every sector is represented. As part of this, SPASAs in other states will be invited to join the new association;
• Outlining and delivering a proactive national mandate which addresses current and future needs of all members. Pursue issues of national concern relating to the Industry as agreed by all members;
• Achieving change through enhanced public support and heightened Parliamentary focus to improve the success of the industry's ability to generate and sustain effective change that benefits members.
Ultimately the structure of SPASA Australia will be broken up into relevant regions and industry sectors, which will ensure the association fairly represents the interests of all members across Australia, irrespective of their geographical location.
SPASA Australia also plans to relaunch the SPASA Convention, to be held from 15th to 17th August 2013 at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
The event will include an exhibition and educational forums as well as an awards night on the Saturday.
SPASA NSW has also reached an arrangement with SPASA Queensland to supply training to their members, replacing the function of SPASA Queensland's failed NSPI venture.
For more information contact Swimming Pool and Spa Alliance of Australia Chief Executive Spiros Dassakis on 1800 802 482, E: info@spasaaustralia.org.au, www.spasaaustralia.org.au
25th May 2012 - SPASA Queensland report urges transparency and focus
10th May 2012 - International Quadratics partners with SPASA NSW to deliver pool management training
6th May 2012 - Crisis at SPASA Queensland leads to warranty doubts and office sale
27th June 2008 - New National Body for Aquatics and Recreation
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