AFTA welcomes MCCA investigation of Australian travel agent regulatory regime

AFTA welcomes the announcement that the Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs has made the decision to conduct an investigation of the Australian travel agent regulatory regime with emphasis on consumer protection for Australian travelers, and to include in that investigation a full review of the industry views raised by AFTA in its submission made to government in August 2005.

A copy of that submission was sent to all Australian travel agents at the time that it was lodged with government. 

Our Australian industry has changed dramatically over recent years, and this Ministerial decision recognizes the degree of change that has taken place and the concerns that the industry has voiced over a long period in relation to comprehensive consumer protection within the industry. 

The thrust of the AFTA submission is very simple – the industry has a desire to see an all encompassing consumer protection scheme that looks after our valued clients. Australians have an international reputation for looking after their own, and the AFTA submission is all about Australians looking after the interests of their fellow Australians through a comprehensive scheme that not only benefits and gives financial security to consumers, but which also enhances the viability and reputation of our extremely valuable tourism industry. 

AFTA has always been committed to a total review of the consumer protection environment and remains committed to that process. AFTA will actively co-operate with government in every possible and positive manner in an effort to ensure that Australia achieves a comprehensive consumer protection scheme that will be a world first for the benefit of all Australian travelers. 

AFTA notes that the requested report as a result of the investigation is to be delivered to Ministers by June 30, 2007 and stands ready to commit all resources at its disposal to assist government in the achievement of the target date. 

AFTA further notes the decision of Australia Post to withdraw its application for exemption to the Australian regulatory regime in order to sell air tickets through Post Offices. AFTA has always maintained that the industry has no problem with anyone entering the travel agency sector provided such entry is on the same regulatory basis as all other licensed travel agents – and the many licensed travel agents who already sell a large proportion of travel via the same method as was proposed by Australia Post. 

AFTA congratulates and thanks State Ministers for their decision to take the initiative to order an investigation of the industry’s submission on the regulatory regime protection of consumers and is committed to actively working closely with government to achieve a successful outcome for the benefit of the Australian traveling public.

More information
Mike Hatton – 02 9264 3299