Horne, Mr I.

The Hon. A. MICHAELS (Enfield—Minister for Small and Family Business, Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, Minister for Arts) (14:04): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. MICHAELS: I would like to acknowledge the career of Mr Ian Horne, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Hotels Association, South Australian Branch, who will be retiring from the role in July. Ian replaced the late Bill Spurr AO as CEO of AHA (SA) in 1986 and has led the organisation for 31 of the last 38 years, separated by a seven-year period leading the Motor Trade Association from 1998 to 2005.

When Ian first joined the AHA (SA) the majority of hotels were very male-dominated, front-bar drinking venues. Over the course of his career, these same venues have evolved into family-oriented dining experiences, accommodation and tourism destinations, events and function facilities and entertainment specialists. Ian's impact on the hospitality industry has been profound across all aspects of the industry, including tourism, training, industrial relations, liquor licensing and gaming.

Ian is well known in this place for continuously lobbying for the preservation of South Australian hotels. He has made every effort to support the interests of AHA members, which is quite an achievement for such a varied industry ranging from major international accommodation and entertainment venues to mum-and-dad owned country pubs. It is also important to acknowledge Ian's wife, Lyndsay, who has always been at his side throughout his lengthy career.

Whilst Ian may be retiring, it is understood he will still be involved in the association through various projects in an advisory capacity, while having more time to focus on other interests such as riding his Harley-Davidson on Sundays. Ian leaves a legacy to the AHA of stability, influence and strong economic contribution to the state, and I wish Ian all the best in his retirement.

While I thank Ian for his service to the South Australian hospitality industry, I would like to congratulate Anna Moeller on her appointment to step into Ian's very big shoes. Starting her career as a licensing and gaming lawyer, Anna has a wealth of knowledge which she has utilised in her role as deputy CEO. Anna it will become AHA's first female CEO in 153 years, and I look forward to continuing to work with Anna as she leads the organisation into the future.