Dear Members,
It’s timely to update members on our recent representation to the ACCC and high level negotiations with DC Payments in order to protect and promote the interests of members.
Negotiations
Following lengthy discussions, the AHA is pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached with ATM supplier DC Payments (now part of Cardtronics) regarding the terms and conditions of ATM supply contracts with AHA members throughout Australia. As previously advised, the AHA raised concerns regarding a number of onerous conditions, including automatic rollover terms, rights of first refusal and unilateral fee increases.
Agreement reached
DC Payments has agreed to adopt the Industry Standard Agreement developed by the AHA (NSW) as its default agreement and have provided the following commitments in terms of a transition to this agreement.
- Members who are in the initial term or an extended term of their agreement, DC Payments will on request to transition members across to the Industry Standard Agreement for the balance of any remaining period on the same commercial terms.
- Members that elect to transfer their agreement will not be bound by the provisions of any automatic rollover terms, whether or not they have entered the notice period for termination of the agreement.
- Any member either renegotiating the terms of an agreement or negotiating with a view to entering a new agreement with DC Payments will be offered the Industry Standard Agreement on a default basis.
- Any member seeking to discontinue a current DC Payments agreement will be bound by the existing discontinuance fees and terms.
Service Bureau
The AHA and DC Payments have also discussed feedback from members regarding service and maintenance issues. DC Payments have committed to working with the AHA and its members to improving service standards and have agreed to the introduction of an AHA Member Service Bureau to assist in expediting member service issues.
- AHA (Vic) members requiring ATM technical support should first contact DC Payments helpdesk on 1800 301 100.
- If the matter is not addressed satisfactorily, AHA (Vic) members can escalate via email to ahaatmsupport@dcpayments.com.au
The AHA will continue to monitor these service standards closely on behalf of its members.
AHA Members must contact DC Payments if they wish to transition to Industry Standard Agreement
Importantly, the Industry Standard Agreement is only being offered by DC Payments to AHA Members. However, if you wish to transition to you will need to contact DC Payments by contacting your DC Payments account representative directly or their sales department by emailing sales@dcpayments.com.au or phoning 1300 305 600. DC Payments will process these requests on a best endeavours basis.
Further questions
If you have any further questions, please contact me to discuss the specifics relating to your situation.
Best regards,
Mike Barouche
General Manager, Australian Hotels Association (Vic)
Email: m.barouche@ahavic.com.au P: 03 8631 7999 M: 0422 083 527