A single industry body now represents all newsagents, distributors and lottery retailers at a national level in Australia, following Wednesday’s announcement of the merger of the Australian Lottery and Newsagents Association (ALNA) and the Lottery Retailers Association (LRA).
The merger is in the best interests of its members, the now-united peak industry body said, and will enable it to better negotiate for, collectively bargain for, strengthen and advocate for the thousands of small and independent businesses in the sector.
“Running a small business is tough, but when done well it is hugely rewarding and beneficial to our nation’s economy,”
Ben Kearney, CEO of the Australian Lottery and Newsagents Association, said.
“Every small business should have someone in their corner, and as a combined force, Australia’s newsagents, distributors, and lottery retailers know that we are proactive and in their corner.
Gary Carter, CEO of the Lottery Retailers Association, said the two organisations bring together a wealth of expertise and experience, and have already worked together on several key issues.
“Together we have already negotiated for better remuneration from Tabcorp for our members, we have fought to see lottery betting banned in Australia, and we have provided guidance, support and advocacy for our member to help them grow their businesses,” Carter said.
The industry body will be known as ALNA going forward, with the branding to merge over time. Merging of staff and management is effective immediately, with Carter now taking on the positions of general manager of Victoria, and the national role of general manager, Lotteries.
The merger builds on ALNA’s other recent mergers in February this year with Lottery Agents Queensland (LAQ) and the merger with the Lottery Agents Association of Tasmania (LAAT) last year.
“Our industry needs unity so we can meet the challenges our members face to improve their profitability and to future-proof the industry.
That is what this merger brings,” Kearney said.
“In addition, it capitalises on the complementary strengths of both organisations, to bring greater value and impact to our members who are Australia’s largest independent retail and home delivery group.”
