The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.
RESIGNATION OF ASDA CHIEF EXECUTIVE
The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator the Hon. Rod Kemp, today acknowledged the work of ASDA Chief Executive, John Mendoza, who has resigned from his position.
"It is with regret that I have accepted Mr Mendoza's resignation as Chief Executive of ASDA," Senator Kemp said. "Mr Mendoza has worked with ASDA for nine years and has indicated that he felt it was time for a new challenge. He has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer with the Mental Health Council of Australia.
"Over the past nine years Mr Mendoza has played an important role in global anti-doping forums, such as the International Anti-Doping Arrangements. His contribution has strengthened the international fight against drugs in sport and helped level the playing field for all athletes.
"Under Mr Mendoza's stewardship, ASDA has continued to provide a world class anti-doping testing regime and has successfully kept Australia at the forefront of the global fight against doping in sport. In the lead up to the Athens Games, ASDA successfully implemented one the world's best pre-Games testing (over 1,600 tests on Australian Olympic athletes) and education programs.
"Mr Mendoza leaves ASDA in a good position to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
"On behalf of the Australian Government I would like to thank John for his commitment to this important issue over the past nine years and I wish him the very best for the future."
The Australian Government remains firmly committed to ASDA and the fight against drugs in sport. This commitment is clearly illustrated through the Coalition election commitments that will see a boost to the government's Tough on Drugs in Sport strategy funding by $13.3 million over the next four years.
This election commitment will further improve Australia's already strong anti-doping system will allow Australia to maintain its position as having one of world's the best anti-doping regimes.
Mr Mendoza will finish with ASDA on 21 January 2005. ASDA's General Manager of Operations, Kim Terrell, will be Acting Chief Executive until I appoint a permanent replacement for Mr Mendoza.
MELBOURNE
29 October 2004
Media contact: Adrian Chippindale, 02 6277 7350 or 0407 208 743