statement

The Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA) notes a statement recently circulated within the jewellery trade regarding the Supplier Sub-Committee and believes it is appropriate to clarify several factual matters.

The discussions referenced did not originate as a formal JAA initiative. The idea arose following conversations with a number of suppliers within the industry who expressed concerns about the increasing number and timing of trade fairs in Australia, among other supplier related matters. Several suppliers indicated that overlapping or closely scheduled fairs in the same city may not be sustainable for a trade of our size.

In response to those concerns, the JAA agreed to facilitate an initial industry discussion to explore whether suppliers wished to exchange views on the long-term outlook for trade fairs and broader supplier engagement across the industry.

An initial online discussion involving a number of suppliers took place. Following that discussion, a small group of suppliers volunteered to approach industry stakeholders to seek their perspectives. The role of the JAA in this process was simply to facilitate dialogue on behalf of suppliers .

Mr Fitz-Roy was approached as an external industry participant whose views were considered relevant to the broader discussion. Expertise Events, nor Mr Fitz-Roy, was  a member of any sub-committee. 

The JAA made genuine efforts to facilitate a meeting with Mr Fitz-Roy. While those discussions ultimately did not take place, the intention of the process was simply to provide an opportunity for open dialogue on issues that had been raised by suppliers within the trade.

As a result, no further action was taken.

The JAA also wishes to clarify that the suggestion the Association has recorded losses over the past decade. The Association has been financially stable overall, with the limited instances of two reported losses attributable to clearly identifiable and explainable factors. The Association remains financially stable and continues to operate in a sound financial position.

The JAA respects that stakeholders across the industry may hold differing views on industry matters. However, it believes it is important that discussions of this nature are represented accurately and in their proper context.

The JAA remains committed to constructive engagement with all sectors of the jewellery industry and will continue to support initiatives that strengthen the long-term health of the Australian jewellery trade.

The Association does not intend to engage in ongoing disputes. However, given the circulation of recent commentary within the industry, the JAA considers it appropriate to place these factual clarifications on record.