HSA February 2021

From the President
DAVID BASHEER – AHA|SA PRESIDENT
150 Years of Strength Through Unity
DEFENDING, PROMOTING AND ADVANCING
This year the AHA|SA celebrates its 150th birthday. Since 1871,
the AHA|SA has been advocating, promoting and advancing our
members, our industry and our State.
Never before was this more evident – and intense – than the
events of the past year.
During 2020 there was a unity of purpose as we worked together,
determined to obtain desperately required outcomes.
It was the AHA|SA family at its best. Hoteliers and employees,
the State Council, our CEO, AHA|SA staff and our tremendously
supportive corporate partners … all united of one mind.
It was one in, all in. And we demonstrated yet again we have the
stamina to run the course.
For 150 years, the AHA|SA has been at the forefront of public
policy and social change.
Whether it be briefing a politician, negotiating a difficult scenario
with a regulator or advocating to the broader community,
together we get outcomes.
Generally, it’s through a soft touch - but sometimes we need to
roll up our sleeves in readiness for a bit of a blue. Whatever
the situation, the AHA|SA is there protecting our members’
businesses.
You might ask why the AHA|SA been so successfully in achieving
its aims for 150 years? It’s simple.
For 150 years, we have been consistent in our views and our
approach.
We are not a group who suddenly find it trendy to support the
latest cause. We are not Insta-famous or part of the Twitterati.
The real reward of advocacy can only come from walking down
hallways, by respectfully challenging people and engaging critics
over long periods – for months and even years - to change public
perception and more importantly, to win results for our members.
We will continue to work behind closed doors, in Parliament or
boardrooms to advocate for what is important to you.
We refuse to surrender to the hypocrisy of those whose
prejudices deliver unintended consequences. We must resist the
naysayers who get in the way of livelihoods, employment, and
common sense. Even when we find ourselves demonised and
attacked, we will continue to stand up for our members.
LOOKING FORWARD
2021 will again present its challenges. But we have much to look
forward to. After years of lobbying and months of preparation,
the much-anticipated new gaming technology rolls out within the
next few days.
“The real reward of
advocacy can only come
from walking down hallways,
by respectfully challenging
people and engaging critics
over long periods...”
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