Time to Roam Magazine Issue 9 - June/July 2014 | Page 12

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upfront news
Stuart Lamont

COMMENT: CRUNCH TIME
FOR NEW INDUSTRY BODY
The merger of Australia’s CRVA and RVMA is something
of a challenging marriage, bringing together the diverse
interests of manufacturers and accommodation providers.
It is however a marriage of necessity. Most
in the industry realise they are making a
massive contribution to the Australian economy,
but haven’t always received the deserved
level of recognition from Government.

to become the CIAA from July 12.
Mr Lamont, who formerly headed the CRVA,
says the new organisation faces a similar
challenge in getting more RV builders to sign up
to its accreditation scheme. The RVMA failed
to win support from many companies including,
the country’s biggest manufacturer Jayco.
“We’d like to model ourselves on the
RVIA in America where some 97-98 per
cent of the manufactured product is
subject to a compliance check and it is
certified by government endorsement.”
Mr Lamont supported comments
by SA Parks chief Richard Davis
that regulations placed on private
tourist parks should also apply to socalled free camping providers.
“We don’t want to force people to stay in parks,
we just want consumers to have a choice, what
we are concerned about is the declining number
of spaces available, businesses are being
regulated out of existence,” Mr Lamont said.
“Parks have no choice but to
pass costs on to consumers.”
“What we’re interested in is the opening
up of more sites and making caravan
parks more competitive by influencing
the regulatory environment so they can
exist within the tourism mix,” he said
However, Mr Lamont cautions about a
complete deregulatory approach, saying most
of the rules are there to protect consumers.
“People are always looking for the best
deal, but if you have no regulation you have
a quasi anarchy structure and I’m sure
that’s not what consumers want.”

As CEO Stuart Lamont concedes, the new
body also faces big challenges in getting more
businesses in both sectors to come on board
and sign up to its accreditation schemes.
It’s an organisation with huge potential and its
success will ultimately be determined by its leadership.
Having capably led the CRVA since 2001, Mr Lamont is
a good choice as CEO, but he has a big job ahead of him.
The crucial test will be how the CIAA selects its new
board, a process due to take place later in the year.
Australia’s most successful organisations are
headed by boards made up of people offering diversity
and a good range of skills and experience.
The CIAA is a large, wealthy industry organisation.
A lot of its wealth comes from small business
members who pay big money to show off their wares
at caravan and camping shows around the country.
Members have every right to question
whether or not they get value for money.
We certainly hear a lot of complaints and gripes
“off the record” about constant rising prices paid
for space at shows. Exhibitors say they are too
afraid to speak publicly for fear of being relegated

to a back block at the next caravan show.
I have to admit our own experience as a
new small business entering the industry
wasn’t entirely positive to begin with.
Let me give you just one example. As a media business
publishing a magazine going out to more than 600 tourist
parks around Australia, we’re very keen to promote those
that are leading the way with great services and innovation.
For that reason, we were slightly taken aback (to
put it mildly) when we were declined an invitation
to attend the NSW CCIA’s annual awards night.
When challenged as to why we couldn’t
attend, I was told media were not invited
to the “NSW Awards of Excellence”.
I wondered, what’s the point was in recognising
excellence but not taking up the chance to
promote it as far and wide as possible?
Our more recent interactions with the NSW CCIA
have been more positive, but at the end of the day,
members have every right to expect a proper examination
of the bodies they pay to have represent them.
As a media organisation, it is our job to do that.
Now is the crucial time for Australia’s caravan,
RV and recreational tourism industry to join and get
involved in their new-look peak lobby group and have
their say to make the CIAA as successful as it can be.
At Time to Roam, we will certainly do
our best to keep you informed.
Rod Bruem - Editor

Recognising high achievers

Michael Cusack

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