The Australian Insurance Law Association (AILA) and the National Product Liability Association (NPLA) have inked a memorandum of understanding that will see the two organisations join forces for the mutual benefit of their respective member bases.

Under the agreement, NPLA members are invited to join AILA, and AILA will develop national- and chapter-level product liability subcommittees to promote a better understanding of product liability risks, including insurance, loss prevention, recovery, and risk-management strategies.

The merger will provide AILA members with access to the specialist expertise of NPLA members; while NPLA members will benefit from a broader array of insurance topics covered at educational events hosted by AILA national and chapters.

“The merger will strengthen AILA’s reputation as a one-stop shop for insurance industry educational events,” said Cameron Roberts, AILA national president, who noted AILA’s strong product-liability focus, with most chapters hosting at least one product liability seminar annually.

“It’s a magnificent fit for both associations,” said John Simpson, NPLA president. “We’ve been getting great traction with joint seminars we’ve hosted over the past four-five years, so this is a win-win for both.”

Former NPLA member Alexis Tartaglia, a lawyer with Lander & Rogers, in Melbourne, has already joined the AILA Victoria committee to help with the establishment of product liability subcommittees.

“It will be great to integrate with AILA but retain the traditional product liability focus,” Tartaglia said.

Roberts welcomed both past and present NPLA members to AILA.

“AILA is an organisation for all of us who form part of the Australian insurance industry, which is so fundamental to Australia’s growth and prosperity,” Roberts said.