AusLeisure

The Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA) has advised of the contribution of Spiros Dassakis, who has stepped down from his role as Chief Policy Officer to establish his own consultancy and apply his expertise across a broader range of industries.

While Dassakis embarks on a to ensure the Association's advocacy efforts remain strong.

SPASA Chairman, Anthony Grice commented “Spiros has been the engine behind nearly two decades of SPASA’s most significant policy, advocacy and regulatory wins.

"His leadership has not only strengthened consumer safety and sharpened business practices; it has reshaped how our industry operates and is perceived.”

Shaping stronger outcomes for industry and community
Throughout his time with SPASA, Dassakis has been widely respected for his collaborative approach to policy change, his advocacy for higher safety standards and his long-standing commitment to fair and effective regulation.

He has played a pivotal role in the establishment of more than 30 Australian Standards and, in 2024, was honoured by Standards Australia for his dedicated work representing SPASA Australia and SPASA New Zealand in standards development across both countries.

Dassakis (pictured) was also a key contributor to several industry milestones, working closely with the SPASA team to help develop and launch initiatives such as the Climate Care Certified program, the SPASA Certification and Accreditation Program and the Master Pool Builders Program.

He also served as Chief Executive of the industry’s only Registered Training Organisation, IRLearning, and played a central role in securing government recognition for Pool and Spa Building and Service Technicians as registered trades.

Reflecting on his time with the Association, Dassakis says the opportunity to serve the industry has been deeply meaningful, commenting “it’s been a privilege to serve SPASA and work with such a dedicated team.

“As I take this next step supporting organisations across sectors with regulation, compliance, and strategic advice through my consultancy firm NextGen Experts, I remain committed to strengthening SPASA’s advocacy and policy work into the future.”

Incoming SPASA Chief Executive Kristin Brookfield brings extensive experience in national policy and state-level advocacy, having led efforts across workplace relations, planning, building and environmental legislation, skills development, and economic policy.

She advised “I recognise the value Spiros has given to SPASA over two decades and I look forward to his ongoing support in the future to learn the insights of swimming pool and spa regulations and standards.

“The parallels with my experience in residential building will help me lead the Association's next steps in advocacy and member engagement and I'm confident we can continue to support the members maintain their voice at the many tables SPASA currently sits on.”

Through Leisure Media Limited, SPASA is the owner of Australasian Leisure Management.

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