SPASA Amalgamation Proposal

Amalgamation Proposal

On 1 January 2017 several SPASA States (Qld, NSW, ACT, SA) amalgamated into SPASA Australia for the purpose of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the industry bodies.

At that time the SPASA Western Australian committee negotiated a partnership with SPASA Australia to remain an independent organisation for a period of time until the SPASA Australia model could be proven.

There has been an agreement in place since 2017 that outlines the responsibilities of SPASA WA and SPASA Australia that has enabled a collaborative relationship between both associations.

Proposal

The proposal by SPASA Australia before SPASA Western Australian members is to approve the motion to amalgamate with the National body to improve member benefits and the long term sustainability of the pool and spa industry.

Our Shared Purpose

Both organisations share

and

of industry support and promotion.

Mission

protect, promote and grow the swimming pool, spa and outdoor lifestyle industry

Our Vision

To deliver a better, happier and healthier community through the enjoyment of a quality pool or spa

Our Values Accountability

We

Service

Integrity

We

Putting people first,

Courage

We

exceed

evolve

Sustainability

We

with

financially,

and socially, providing

governed not for

Promotions

Membership

Current WA Membership Service

Member Services to continue with local employees retained and programs and services to continue with national services added.

Improved Membership Services

Representation

Local Western Australian members will supply direct feedback to local committees and local staff to form WA policy on key items including construction, licensing, advocacy. Local staff will be supported by the national organisation with access to national information.

Local Staff Local Committees Local Policies National Support

Increased support

Protecting and adding value to WA members with over 50 seats on active Australia and New Zealand standards, guidelines and regulatory committees.

Sustainability

Cutting through current and future crisis’s with leading programs like Climate Care Certified consistently expanding and gaining acceptance ad engagement with more authorities and regulators. Research and data continues to increase SPASA’s knowledge and trend analysis with the growth in construction contracts, partnerships with leading report providers and our trade and consumer media brands.

Education

WA members will continue to receive local education and training, with a significant increase in career path development and trade qualifications through the Institute of Research and Learning (IRLearning).

IRLearning is a Registered Training Organisation which has firmly distinguished itself as a leader for trade related and professional qualifications.

IRLearning is also a consultancy based industry research organisation that provides advocacy and advisory services to various industries.

Governance

SPASA Australia is a limited by guarantee organisation with non for profit status and adheres to the corporations act and is audited yearly A skills based strategic Board with Finance Audit and compliance committee oversees a professional and qualified executive team of staff across Australia and New Zealand.

Financial Sustainability

SPASA has a proven record of both increasing value to members and maintaining financial sustainability. In the calendar reporting year of 2021, net assets and equity reported at $5,065,165 and cash or cash equivalents were reported at 4,225,378.

Uniquely Western Australian

Completion Guarantee

The completion guarantee will continue for Western Australian pool builders. The existing program, pricing and administration will continue to provide business as usual for WA Members. Any future adjustment to the program would be reviewed and based on legal recommendations, member input and WA regional committee recommendations.

The Western Australian building and current fund will remain in place and under the ownership of the management of the current committee with the assistance of the SPASA Finance and Audit Committee.

Investing in WA

WA’s unique regulatory framework

WA is one of the regions that does not require licensing for WA pool builders. When determining policy position on all issues, SPASA Australia will continue to adopt local policies on a region by region basis. The viewpoint adopted and advocated for by the Association will be guided by local feedback on all issues such as legislation, planning policies, regulation, licensing and training.

Pricing for the completion guarantee is intended to remain the same or improve based on feedback from members.

Excerpt from current WA contract.

Summary

Western Australian members continue to access and be supported at a local level by local staff. Members gain access to more services, promotions, representation and training with a clear pathway to voice future policy development.

The improved efficiency as an integral part of a larger association allows for investment in WA by WA members to continue to improve and grow the local market.

SPASA Australia supports and adopts local policies on a state by state basis. The viewpoint adopted and advocated for by the Association will be guided by local feedback on all issues such as legislation, planning policies, regulation, licensing and training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Services

1. How will an amalgamated entity ensure the current member benefits and services are retained?

All local staff and services will continue in Western Australia, with support from the national group.

2. How can we ensure local expos and events remain affordable for the local market?

Members are provided access to local events at the most sustainable pricing based on local supply and cost options.

3. What happens to local staff?

All local staff will be retained and supported as part of a larger team of dedicated SPASA employees across Australia and New Zealand.

Governance

4. How will the WA member voice be represented?

Members in every region have direct access to dedicated local staff. SPASA staff will continue to provide local support, policy development and member services.

5. Will there be a dedicated position for WA on the board?

One Western Australian committee member will be appointed to the SPASA Australia Board for a term of 2 years. Upon amalgamation, all members are provided the opportunity to apply for board positions in line with the Constitution.

6. How will the organisation be run ethically and professionally?

SPASA Australia is a limited by Guarantee organisation with non for profit status and adheres to the corporation’s act. Skills based strategy Board with Finance Audit and compliance committee overseeing a professional and qualified executive team of staff across Australia and New Zealand. SPASA Australia is audited yearly.

Trust / Completion Guarantee

7. How will the completion guarantee offering be retained in the WA marketplace?

The completion guarantee will continue for Western Australian pool builders. The current Deed of Trust will be amended to ensure that WA pool builders who pay into the trust remain as the Beneficiaries. The Trust will continue to operate as a separate entity to the Association and will retain all assets, such as the office that will be leased to the Association as it is now. The Regional committee will maintain control as Trustees with assistance from SPASA’s Finance and Audit Committee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Legal advice will determine the ongoing risks associated with for the current Trust to cover all liabilities and address any past risks.

8. How will the completion guarantee Trust be managed, to retain local control?

Local staff will manage local members and services. A local committee will oversee the completion guarantee, reporting to the SPASA Finance Audit & Compliance Committee.

9. What happens to the assets owned by the Trust?

All assets currently owned by the Trust will be maintained by the trust. This include Cash held and the SPASA WA Office. Any future decisions relating to assets, will be made by the local committee.

Legal/Financial implications

10. What is the legal implication of any amalgamation for members?

There is no foreseen legal concerns for Western Australian members. Upon amalgamation, membership will transfer from SPASA WA to SPASA Australia. SPASA Australia’s membership terms and conditions and code of ethics reflect similarly to SPASA WA’s current rules.

11. What will the amalgamation cost SPASA WA?

There is no operational cost to SPASA WA other than legal and financial due diligence, which is shared by both parties. The current partnership agreement of $30,000 per annum paid by SPASA WA to SPASA Australia will cease upon amalgamation. All local costs and operational responsibilities for Western Australia will be amalgamated into SPASA Australia.

12. What happens to the assets owned by SPASA WA?

The balance sheet assets owned by the Completion Guarantee Trust will remain or transfer to a new trust following legal advice and due process. SPASA WA balance sheet assets will transfer to the amalgamated body.

13. What are the results of SPASA WA’s due diligence of SPASA Australia?

SPASA Australia has a proven and published history of financial sustainability and increasing member services.

Appendices

Fee for service items

Membership rates have reduced and simplified across most categories. Due to operational efficiencies, it is expected that there will be less of a demand on the completion guarantee to subsidise the running of regional administration allowing the completion guarantee to cover the advertising levy.

Membership

Category Groups

Builder & Renovator (inc advert levy)

SPASA WA SPASA Australia

$1,683 $10,615 $1,260 $1,995

Supplier $1,683 $10,615 $1,995 $4,990

Retail shop and Service tech $495 $1,100 $325 $545

Fencing, Landscape, Professional Services, other $440 $495 $325 $545

Awards

Item SPASA WA SPASA Australia

Awards Entries $99 $300 $100 $300

Awards Gala Ticket $195 $195

Awards Magazine

Item SPASA WA SPASA Australia*

Quarter Page $600 $1,094

Half Page $900 $1,813

Full Page $1,500 $2,878

Double Page $2,800 $4,576

Networking Events

Item SPASA WA SPASA Australia*

Golf, Sundowner, networking events Various $ No change to cost recovery model