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ATIA Appoints Independent Reviewer for 2025 ATAS Charter Review

Seasoned legal consultant and former senior Australian Competition and Commission officer, Michael Terceiro has been named as the Independent Reviewer for the 2025 ATAS Charter Review.
 
The appointment of Mr Terceiro marks the commencement of the review process as mandated under the ATAS Charter. The triennial review seeks to ensure that the ATAS Charter and Code continue to uphold high standards of professionalism, compliance, and consumer confidence within Australia’s travel industry.
 
Mr Terceiro brings over three decades of legal, regulatory, and compliance expertise to the role. He has held numerous independent review roles across high-profile consumer-facing sectors. His experience spans regulatory compliance, competition and consumer law, and governance for both corporate and industry bodies.
 
The scope of the 2025 Charter Review will include evaluation of the ATAS Charter, Code of Conduct, Solvency Definitions, and the Terms of Reference for the ATIA Complaints Appeals Committee (ACAC). The review will assess whether these documents remain effective and fit-for-purpose, and whether amendments are warranted to strengthen the ATIA Accredited framework.
 
ATIA will open the formal consultation period on 2 June 2025, with written submissions invited from all stakeholders until 1 July 2025. Submissions will be made public and considered by Mr Terceiro, who will provide a final report to the ATIA Board by 29 July 2025. The Board will subsequently publish its response and any approved amendments.
 
ATIA has confirmed the full timeline for the 2025 ATAS Charter Review:

• March 25: Terms of Reference Approved
• April 25: Independent Reviewer Engaged with Advisory Committee
• May 25: Reviewer Appointment Announced Publicly
• June 25: Review of Current Framework Commences Against Best Practice Standards
• 2 June 25: Public Submission Period Opens
• 1 July 25: Public Submission Period Closes
• July 25: Submissions Reviewed and Key Issues Evaluated
• July 25: Final Report and Recommendations Submitted to Board
• September 25: Board Considers and Approves Amendments
• October 25: Charter Amendments Announced Publicly

 
This structured, transparent process ensures industry stakeholders have multiple opportunities to provide feedback and shape the future of accreditation in Australia’s travel sector.
ATIA encourages all members to participate actively during the consultation period.
 
This transparent review process reaffirms ATIA’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of industry self-regulation and consumer protection.
 
ATIA encourages all members to actively participate in the consultation. This is a valuable opportunity to shape the future of the accreditation framework and ensure it reflects the needs and priorities of today's travel businesses. Full submission guidelines will be published at www.atia.travel when the consultation opens.
 
QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO MICHAEL TERCEIRO, INDEPENDENT REVIEWER:
“I’m pleased to support ATIA in this important review process. An effective accreditation framework is vital for building trust in the travel sector, and I look forward to engaging with members and stakeholders to ensure the scheme remains fair, practical, and fit for purpose.”
 
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CEO DEAN LONG:
“Michael Terceiro brings unrivalled integrity and insight to this important appointment. His deep expertise in consumer law and regulatory frameworks makes him an ideal choice to lead an independent and rigorous review.”
 
“The ATAS Charter and Code form the cornerstone of our accreditation framework. This review is essential to ensuring that the standards we uphold remain contemporary, credible and trusted by consumers, regulators and the industry itself.”