By Annette Shailer
The NSW AHA has stopped political donations to the State Government as announced on Anzac Day.
A fortnight into his presidency, Scott Leach, and recently appointed AHA NSW chief executive officer, Sally Fielke, decided to reassess the AHA’s operations.
“We have decided to review, refresh and reconnect, as any prudent company would do at a time of change when new staff are introduced,” Fielke said.
The move comes on the back of a proposal last month by NSW Premier, Morris Iemma, to ban all donations and move toward a fully public-funded system.
“Political donations made by the AHA are under review — we’ve pressed the pause button,” Leach said. “We fully support the Premier’s changes.”
The NSW Labor Party received close to $1 million over the past 10 years from the AHA, creating controversy over the relationship hotels and developers have with the Government and the concessions they receive.
Some members of the AHA upset by the move included pub baron Arthur Laundy, as reported in other media, who stated he should have been consulted.
Fielke explained the current pause on donations is a chance for the association to reevaluate, not a reason for
controversy.
“Members can do what they want, there was no decision made on their behalf,” Fielke said.
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