The Australasian Writers and Art Directors Association (AWARD), the Advertising Federation of Australia (AFA) and the Account Planning Group (APG) are in discussion about forming a new organisation.

The associations’ representatives indicated that they had been working together for several months and are now in the process of canvassing industry stakeholders to seek their support.

The chairman of AWARD, Richard Maddocks, said AWARD has been in discussions with the APG and the AFA for some time and more recently those talks have focussed on the formation of a new organisation.

“A new organisation with the strengths of its combined memberships will offer a more influential voice on industry issues, particularly at a time when the industry is under regulatory pressure. Put simply, we can offer members stronger representation by coming together,” explained Belinda Rowe, chairman of the AFA.