By James Atkinson
The Australian Hotels Association NSW has appointed an acting CEO with Paul Nicolaou taking personal leave in the wake of revelations about his alleged involvement in a political fundraising scandal.
On Monday Nicolaou resigned from his role as head of the Liberal party fundraising organisation, the Millennium Forum, after reportedly admitting to ICAC investigators his role in receiving prohibited donations to the party from property developers.
The AHA NSW announced to members on Anzac Day (April 25) that John Whelan had been appointed acting CEO.
“AHA NSW President Scott Leach announced today that CEO Paul Nicolaou will be taking personal leave from Monday, 28 April 2014,” the association said.
Whelan, the responsible gaming director in the AHA’s federal office, played an integral role in the association’s successful campaign against mandatory precommitment on poker machines.
It’s unclear if or when Nicolaou – CEO since January 2012 – will return to the role.