Member News

On the 17 feb i had a meeting with Steven Ciobo MP who is the minister for trade and tourism. The attached preamble was sent earlier to him as it high lighted the concerns of our industry. He displayed a good knowledge of the Chinese market and was aware of some of the opal shows in China particular Changsha. The week after he was on a trade mission to China. He was not aware of the problem with the inbound tourist market on deceitful selling of opals in Australia but was aware of the kick backs that tourist companies charge.  My impression was that he thought there was enough rules in place to control this but i made it clear that i felt most of them were un enforceable. He  said will look into it and reply soon. As soon as i get a reply i will inform members of the Opal association.

Letter attached below

Ciobo letter

Hi Many thanks to Steve  from Rainbow Story for his work in doing the Australian Opal trail. There is a short press release version and a longer version for magazines.

While we intend to do a press release to the media we NEED YOU HELP!!!  If you have any media or magazines contacts forward the main article to then and if they need photos we can provide that direct to them.Len cram has kindly offered some of his photos.

Kind Regards 

Paul Sedawie

President of the Opal Association 

http://www.opal.asn.au/opal/

Press Release 2017 Circuit – Full Version – long version[12581]

Press Release 2017 Circuit – 350 Words – short draft[12582]

Reply from QLD Fair Trading.

As I understand it  King Opal will receive a fine for around $10,000. There is a reference to the opal association, but its up to the members to decide about membership of King opal. 

King opal has replied to the Opal Association that it will comply with our written display conditions.