The Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) is committed to providing professional advice to the Australian consumer on how should the latter protect their move and to raising the standards in the removal industry. All AFRA members carry Public Liability Insurance and are authorized to provide Transit Insurance for all household goods and effects that are being moved. AFRA accredits only those furniture removalists who have the necessary equipment, vehicles, premises and skilled employees needed to complete every move safely and efficiently. Here is what executive director Joe Lopino shares about the Association and about the industry as a whole.
Tell us about AFRA’s history? What are some of the greatest challenges you have faced up so far?
The Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA) was formed in 1993 after the dissolution of the Australian Road Transport Federation (ARTF). Whilst AFRA was new, the National Furniture Removers Association had been in existence since 1950 and worked under the umbrella of the Australian Road Transport Federation until its dissolution in 1993.
One of the greatest challenges has been to be identified as an industry in its own right and not within the Road Transport and Logistics industry. Furniture removalists require skill and diligence outside of the transport and logistics field as they deal with the general public, being granted permission to enter into a home and ensure that furniture and effects are handled from the initial residence to their end destination in sometimes challenging circumstances with due care and attention.
Another successful challenge has been to develop and raise the standards of the industry through comprehensive training and developing a Code of Conduct which is a requirement for all over our Members to uphold.
How do you evaluate companies before they are granted membership? What are your exact requirements?
Any removal company or business can become a Member. However any new applicant must firstly undertake an initial audit to ensure that both the minimum industrial relations and the workplace health and safety requirements are met before they can be accepted as a probationary member. During the probationary period, the proposed Member’s staff must undertake a comprehensive training in furniture handling, estimating, documentation as well as WHS.
The Member company must also ensure that the conditions of contract and insurances are at least in line with AFRA standards. Workplace Management Systems must also be in place to ensure ongoing compliance with IR, WHS and other procedural/legal requirements.
All staff that come into contact with the public’s household furniture and effects must have had Police Record checks undertaken during this period by the applicant member.
A further audit is conducted after 3 months which will determine their acceptance as a full Member. Ongoing audits ensure continued compliance with our Code of Conduct and required standards.
Actually, how many removal companies are currently members of AFRA?
Over 290 members nationally.
What benefits do they have as members of your organization?
AFRA Members enjoy access to legal, industrial relations, WHS and industry advice as well as comprehensive nationally accredited industry training.
Here is a summary of some of the benefits:
- AFRA is able to work directly with the Government. We are on several Industry Reference groups dealing with transport, which allows us to look at draft legislation that will affect us.
- Training DVD’s, manuals and other training material, including online training.
- Access to member support that includes discounts on many items.
- State meetings held regularly to update members on new issues within the industry.
- A website designed to assist clients in understanding the removal process.
- Assistance from fellow members to help out in removal emergencies.
- We handle consumer complaints about member companies before they become full blown disputes.
Do you have cases of an involuntary revocation of membership?
Not to our recollection. Any noncompliance matters are generally resolved. Membership to AFRA is highly regarded by our Members.
Can you provide some basic statistics about how many people move within Australia a year and which are the most preferred locations?
I can advise that over 70% of industry work is undertaken by AFRA members.
In the March-April issue of AFRA’s magazine – On the Move, there has been a comprehensive report that outlines Sydney, Melbourne Brisbane and Perth as ones of the regions with highest grow in terms of moves.
Joe Lopino, Executive Director at AFRA
How do you see the industry changes in the next five years? What would you like to be changed (improved) in the business practices?
The industry will evolve slightly with a younger generation coming in and bringing with them a more commercial and entrepreneurial application to their businesses.
What motivates you to work in the moving industry?
For me personally, I do not have a removal background. My background is in commercial and corporate finance as well as a few other industries. I saw the role as a new challenge and hoping to bring a new element to the industry and a broader scope of thinking to a great industry from its well-established foundation.
We would like to thank president Andrew Garrety and executive director Joe Lopino for their time.