In a follow up to my last address, I would like to update members on our activities in relation to the Modern Award.

An AALARA delegation met with the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gilard's office on 9 September to formally present the concerns of industry members in relation to the conditions of the proposed Amusement, Events and Recreation Award 2010 that will apply to all industry business from 1 January 2010.

The main point of relevance to AALARA members is that the Australian Industrial Relations Commission is reviewing the requirements of the current awards across each sector of the industry and also against the conditions within each State and Territory. The AIRC has been asked to find a median point which will not unduly disadvantage the majority of businesses within that sector.

With this information in mind we have been surveying AALARA members to ascertain the employment conditions that are currently being implemented. This information will give us a sector by sector snap-shot of the current situation and will allow us to lobby accordingly.

AALARA is now preparing a further submission to the AIRC based on the industry statistics provided by our members. We thank all those business owners who took the time to contribute. This important data has provided the association with a wider impact statement then previously presented.

In addition, AALARA has contracted the services of the Australian Federation of Employers and Industries to develop appropriate Enterprise Agreements for our industries. The agreements can then be tailored by individual businesses to suit their individual needs of their operations. Further information will be released shortly to all AALARA members.

AALARA actively lobbied the widening of coverage in the Travelling Shows Award 2010 to benefit all transportable rides operators and additional locations outside agricultural and horticultural shows and we are extremely pleased this was achieved in the exposure draft released last Friday 25th September 2009.

We will keep you informed of progress.

Robert Bradley

President