Jeweller understands that Bartlett issued a formal resignation on Monday morning (9 February).
The JAA published a media statement on its website the following day (10 February) confirming his departure. Describing the statement as ‘brief’ is perhaps an understatement – it amounts to three sentences and 70 words.
“The Board thanks Jay for his time, contribution, and service to the Association and the broader jewellery industry, and wishes him well in his future endeavours,” it reads.
Jeweller spoke with Bartlett on Wednesday (11 February) to confirm his resignation.
“I made the decision [to resign] after careful consideration. I joined the Board with the intention of helping drive positive change for the industry,” he said.
“I’ve been part of the jewellery industry for more than 30 years and a JAA member for more than 20. When I see opportunities for improvement, I prefer to contribute constructively and be part of the solution.”
Bartlett, managing director of Bartlett Master Jewellers in Townsville, along with Stephen Schneider of Stephens Jewellers, joined the JAA board as directors in April 2025.
At the time, the JAA issued a media statement suggesting the pair’s extensive experience in the jewellery industry would be valuable.
“Together they bring more than 55 years of distinguished service in the jewellery industry, with Jay and Stephen bringing a wealth of knowledge and insight that will enhance the Board’s collective knowledge and support the ongoing work of the JAA in serving and strengthening the Australian jewellery industry,” it read.
Attempt to bury the past
Despite serving on the board for less than a year, Bartlett was instrumental in what might rightly be described as one of the association’s most significant accomplishments in the past decade.
Bartlett and Schneider aimed to resolve past differences and established a constructive working relationship with Expertise Events.
With the approval of the JAA board, the pair entered discussions with managing director Gary Fitz-Roy, leading to an announcement that caught the industry by surprise.
In October, Expertise Events and the JAA both confirmed that the JAA would be an exhibitor at the Australian Jewellery Fair in Adelaide, scheduled for 19-20 April.
The unexpected announcement marked the first time in a decade that the JAA would appear at a trade show organised by Expertise Events.
Background reading: JAA detractors must answer some tough questions
“When I joined the Board, I hoped to see the Association strengthen its engagement across the industry and maintain a visible presence at key trade events, such as the International Jewellery Fair and the Australian Jewellery Fair, using those opportunities to reconnect with the broader industry,” Bartlett explained.
In the wake of the announcement, Fitz-Roy provided a glowing testimony for Bartlett as a representative of the JAA.
“Jay [Bartlett] is a leading example of the future of the jewellery industry. He’s committed to setting a direction that unites rather than divides," Fitz-Roy said.
“The JAA will be far stronger with this kind of approach and attitude.”
Governance issues
Discussing the circumstances of his resignation, Bartlett expressed frustration with the JAA’s approach to governance in the short time he had served as a director.
“Over time, it became clear that I wasn’t able to make the impact I had hoped for within the current structure. I recognised that my perspective on certain priorities and the direction forward was not fully aligned with that of the Board,” he explained.
“I formed the view that the current culture and governance approach were not aligned with how I believe meaningful progress is best achieved.”
“Rather than continue in a role where I could not contribute as intended, I chose to step aside.”
Bartlett has also confirmed that, following his departure, Bartlett Master Jewellers will not renew its JAA membership, bringing an end to a relationship between the business and the association that lasted two decades.
JAA losses: FY loss, membership loss
Bartlett’s resignation reduces the JAA board to six members, after it briefly rose to seven with the appointment of co-opted director Lindsay Kotzman in December.
It’s an untimely loss for the JAA, as industry sources recently revealed that several other retailers have decided not to renew their memberships.
This follows the JAA’s latest financial statements, lodged with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), which recorded a loss of $21,209 for FY24.
The JAA website claims that the decline is caused by an accounting adjustment/error.
These same ACNC records show that membership revenue declined from $230,650 in the 2021 financial year to $148,574 in the 2024 financial year at the same time that expenses increased.
More reading
JAA’s Correction Request: Rules for thee, but not me
JAA’s confusing statement: Misleading, poor phrasing, or undue credit?
JAA expands board, seventh director appointed
JAA detractors must answer some tough questions
A New Chapter: JAA to exhibit at Australian Jewellery Fair in 2026