After five years, Harry Jenkins, the independent Chair of the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code Scheme (ABAC), will retire, making way for The Hon Tony Smith, former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Jayne Taylor, CEO of ABAC, paid tribute to Jenkins, who she said provided a calming influence and strong leadership through the uncertainty of the pandemic and the changing nature of the drinks industry.
"Harry has provided strong independent leadership during a period of significant change in the alcohol and marketing industries and calmly guided ABAC through the COVID-19 pandemic.
"ABAC is grateful for Harry's leadership and thoughtful advice in helping the organisation to evolve over the last five years to keep pace with community expectations and a rapidly changing media and industry landscape. We wish him all the best for his well-earned retirement from the position," she said.
Jenkins said he looks back on the past five years with a sense of accomplishment. "I am pleased to have been part of ABAC for the past five years," he said. "I have been impressed by the serious intent of everyone involved in the ABAC system and the efficacy and responsiveness of the Scheme.
Jenkins said going forward, he sees minimising exposure of minors to alcohol advertising and ensuring the content of this advertising does not appeal to them will continue to be the most essential objective of the Code.
"I would like to thank those who are regulated by the system for their ongoing cooperation with the complaints system and their proactive efforts to comply with the Code standards, demonstrated by a strong use of the pre-vetting service.
"As ABAC reaches 25 years of operation, I am impressed by what it has achieved in that time. This is in no small part due to the leadership of the ABAC Adjudication Panel, throughout the 25 years, by former Federal Attorney-General Professor Michael Lavarch AO. Professor Lavarch plays an incredibly important role and has been critical to the rigour and success of the Scheme," he said.
Jenkins will be succeeded by the Hon Tony Smith, an experienced professional who has served in federal parliament for over 20 years, including as Speaker for over six years, and serving on numerous Parliamentary Committees, many as Chair.
"I'm looking forward to joining an organisation that is effective, responsive and has proven itself to align with community standards. ABAC has shown it is proactive and dynamic in the way it has kept pace with the ever-emerging issues, demonstrating its willingness to be ahead of the curve. It is important that the Code remain global best practice, responding to changes in the environment in which it operates," said Smith.
Featured image via Facebook
Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news with the Drinks Trade e-newsletter.
Share the content
