The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has named the committee members for the “critically important” ATAS Appeals Complaint Committee (ACAC).
Returning to full capacity after a COVID-forced pause and independent review of ATAS, the committee will be led by former Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) CEO Hank Speir.
Joining Speir as committee members are travel industry figures David Padman and Melvyn Almeida, and also consumer representatives Philip Field and Jillian Brewer.
According to AFTA, Padman’s and Almeida’s “deep understanding of the intricacies of the travel sector will be invaluable in reviewing and resolving complaints with impartiality and expertise”.
Meanwhile, consumer advocates, Field and Brewer bring “balanced and fair decision-making to benefit participating travel businesses and consumers”.
AFTA and partner Consumer Federation Australia jointly select the chair and appoint the consumer representatives.
ATAS members have access to complaint resolution support including the ACAC.
‘An essential step’
Meanwhile, AFTA CEO Dean Long said the appointments “reinforce our commitment to transparency and excellence in the travel industry”.
“We are thrilled to welcome these highly respected individuals to the ATAS Appeals Complaint Committee and thank them in advance for their time and contribution,” he said.
“The ACAC’s formation is an essential step in upholding the integrity of the ATAS accreditation scheme and further enhancing industry standards.
“By including industry stalwarts and consumer representatives, AFTA ensures that the committee has a comprehensive understanding of both industry-specific nuances and consumer perspectives.”
Long also said the appointments help maintain “a fair and robust complaint resolution process”.
“Their collective expertise and dedication will strengthen the credibility and transparency of the ATAS accreditation scheme,” he remarked.
“Travel industry professionals can have confidence in the ATAS Appeals Complaint Committee’s ability to impartially review decisions and provide resolutions.
“AFTA’s commitment to accountability and fairness ensures that the ATAS remains the benchmark accreditation scheme in the travel industry.”
For more information on ATAS, click here.
Last week, AFTA welcomed Ingrid Fraser as its new Director of Public Policy & Advocacy to continue to drive state- and territory-level policy outcomes to benefit member businesses.
