Policy expert Spiros Dassakis moves beyond SPASA to establish consultancy

The Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA) has recognised the exceptional contribution of Spiros Dassakis, who has stepped down from his role as chief policy officer to establish his own consultancy and apply his expertise across a broader range of industries.

As the policy powerhouse embarks on this next chapter, SPASA will continue working with Dassakis in a consulting capacity.

His ongoing involvement as a subject matter expert – including representing SPASA on Standards committees – will ensure SPASA’s advocacy efforts remain strong, well-informed and future-focused.

“Spiros has been the engine behind nearly two decades of SPASA’s most significant policy, advocacy and regulatory wins,” says SPASA chairman Anthony Grice.

“His leadership has not only strengthened consumer safety and sharpened business practices, it has reshaped how our industry operates and is perceived.”

Shaping stronger outcomes for industry and community

Throughout his time with SPASA, Dassakis has been widely respected for his collaborative approach to policy change, his advocacy for higher safety standards, and his long-standing commitment to fair and effective regulation. He has played a pivotal role in the establishment of more than 30 Australian Standards and in 2024 was honoured by Standards Australia for his dedicated work representing SPASA Australia and SPASA New Zealand in Standards development across both countries.

Dassakis was a key contributor to several industry milestones, working closely with the SPASA team to help develop and launch initiatives such as the Climate Care Certified program, the SPASA Certification and Accreditation Program, and the Master Pool Builders Program. He also served as CEO of the industry’s only Registered Training Organisation, IRLearning, and played a central role in securing government recognition for pool and spa building and service technicians as registered trades.

Reflecting on his time with the association, Dassakis says the opportunity to serve the industry has been deeply meaningful.

“It’s been a privilege to serve SPASA and work with such a dedicated team,” he says. “As I take this next step supporting organisations across sectors with regulation, compliance and strategic advice through my consultancy firm NextGen Experts, I remain committed to strengthening SPASA’s advocacy and policy work into the future.”

A steady hand guiding SPASA’s advocacy future

New SPASA CEO Kristin Brookfield brings extensive experience in national policy and state-level advocacy, having led efforts across workplace relations, planning, building and environmental legislation, skills development and economic policy.

“I recognise the value Spiros has given to SPASA over two decades and I look forward to his ongoing support in the future to learn the insights of swimming pool and spa regulations and standards,” she says.

“The parallels with my experience in residential building will help me lead the association’s next steps in advocacy and member engagement and I’m confident we can continue to support the members to maintain their voice at the many tables SPASA currently sits on.”