Objectives and Structure of the Association

The Australian Booksellers Association (ABA) protects and promotes the interests of all booksellers in Australia. The Association has its origins in state associations formed early in the 20th century, which later amalgamated into a federal association.

In 1985 the Association was incorporated in Victoria and now acts as the national body representing Australian booksellers. Members range from small independent bookshops to large chains. The ABA is governed by a Statement of Purposes and Rules, which is available on request.

Under the constitution, the objectives of the Association are to:

provide a range of training and educational programs for members;
establish bonds between booksellers all over Australia;
enhance the unique role of books in our society;
foster and encourage the selling of books;
provide a national forum for member booksellers;
provide technical advice and information to booksellers;

The Association has a voluntary eight-person Management Committee elected by the membership. Members of the committee have a ‘stewardship’ role towards the membership as a whole and are expected to apply their skills to this task. The Management Committee assists in improving the Association’s policy, activities and administration to help the Association achieve its objectives. The ABA has a permanent staff under the responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer.

The ABA is represented on most book trade councils and committees.