ATIA says its advocacy has saved members from the burden of new regulations and compliance costs estimated at between $40 and $100 million.
These are costs that would have landed squarely on the shoulders of agents for issues outside their control, claims the organisation.
Customers booking through agents will now still continue to enjoy the same protections as those booking direct.
“Our advocacy has saved agents up to $100 million in unnecessary costs. This is money that stays in our members’ businesses instead of being lost to red tape,” said Dean Long, ATIA CEO.
“This is exactly why ATIA exists – to be the strong, collective voice that secures outcomes individual businesses simply couldn’t achieve alone.”
ATIA says the outcome is the result of a determined campaign since September 2023 with four rounds of consultation, multiple submissions, evidence before a Senate inquiry and direct engagement with Ministers, the ACCC and senior officials.
It is also a direct reflection of the ATIA Accredited framework, which already provides a free and fair mediation service for consumers.
ATIA will continue to engage through the next stage of consultations to ensure this outcome is locked in and becomes law.
“For those not yet members, this is the moment to recognise what ATIA delivers,” added Mr Long.
“Without us, the outcome would have been very different. Being accredited is more than a quality mark; it is about being part of a collective that protects, defends and elevates our profession.”
