It is understood that AMIF CEO Sherry Donaldson is no longer employed by the now defunct organisation. AMIF and Donaldson had come under fire in recent years over a variety of issues, notably concerns expressed by industry players and various boating industry media outlets about the Boat of the Year Awards.
The NSW BIA resigned from AMIF last month. NSW BIA GM Roy Privett said the withdrawal from AMIF was a catalyst for change and the first step to building a national approach to advocacy on behalf of the industry.
“We need to build a more cohesive and comprehensive entity … we couldn't do that by remodelling AMIF, we needed a fresh start.
“We want to build a stronger, more efficient organisation, one that is less fragmented and parochial on state matters,” said Privett.
It is understood that the remaining states will share the responsibilities previously handled by AMIF until a new representative body is established.
“It was not possible after June to keep funding AMIF … regrettably we had to close the operational side, handing operational increments to various states,” said AMIF president Barry Jenkins.
“Given the current climate it was a huge financial strain to the individual associations … however it was necessary to keep the work of AMIF going.”
– Marine Business
