AFTA applauds WA repeal of agents act

AFTA applauds WA repeal of agents act
By admin


Western Australia’s repeal of the Travel Agents Act will level the playing field for agents operating in the state, according to the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA).

The government bill passed on Wednesday night, with AFTA chief executive Jayson Westbury branding it a “monumental decision” which brings WA in line with the other mainland states and territories.

“The government came to the conclusion that WA could not go it alone and retain a state-based licensing system and compensation fund, as this would put travel agents at a distinct disadvantage when competing with interstate and overseas agents,” he said.

The move was the result of a process of “extensive and careful” consideration from industry, consumers and the government, with the bill to now be presented to the state governor.

It agrees to the same transitional arrangements as agreed by consumer affairs ministers in December 2012 which will be managed by the WA Consumer Affairs department.

AFTA confirmed it will seek further information on the process of refund and communications with agents in the state.

More than 200 WA agents have already been finalised under AFTA’s ATAS accreditation scheme to date, Westbury revealed.

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