AA and AHA merger to form new peak body called Accommodation Australia

AA and AHA merger to form new peak body called Accommodation Australia
By Alexandra Coulton


The new peak industry body formed from a merger between the Accommodation Association and the Australian Hotel Association will be called Accommodation Australia.

Leanne Harwood will be the President of the amalgamated organisation’s executive committee with Sean Hunt as vice president, and Bruce Copland as treasurer.

Martin Ferguson will continue to play a critical role as special counsel on the amalgamation which is on schedule for completion in late 2022 subject to the member vote.

The merger process of the Accommodation Association and the Australian Hotel Association’s Tourism Accommodation Australia is heavily regulated with mandated steps and timelines. The transition committee has continued to make steady and collaborative progress.

Both Tourism Accommodation Australia and the Accommodation Association continue to work closely together to maximise benefits for members.

This includes joint market update events, allowing AA members equal access to the recent AHA/TAA negotiated temporary Labour Agreement, the sharing of existing resources such as the Accommodation Association’s employment program resources on the Hub and the opportunity for all members to participate in the TAA and AHA state-based awards in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

“The name ‘Accommodation Australia’ is a powerful and appropriate reflection of our sector’s national footprint and economic significance,” Harwood said.

“This year is a hallmark year as we unite to ensure our impact and influence is maximised and work together to overcome the challenges including those created during the last two years.

“I am also honoured to have been named as the Inaugural President of Accommodation Australia and I look forward to continuing to work with Sean Hunt, Bruce Copland, our Transition Committee and Martin Ferguson AM as we lock down the remaining steps.”

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