145/04
31 August 2004

The appointment of Mr Giles Tanner as a full time acting member of the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) was announced today by the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan.

Senator Coonan said a new short term appointment is necessary because of the recent and impending retirement of several ABA members and the Government's decision to establish the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) from a merger of the ABA and the Australian Communications Authority (ACA), by 1 July 2005.

"Mr Tanner has made a valuable contribution to the work of the ABA as General Manager since 1997 where he has been responsible for providing advice and assistance to ABA members. His appointment as an ABA member will provide continued experience and important industry knowledge to the organisation" Senator Coonan said.

Mr Tanner is a lawyer by training and has worked in the communications portfolio for nearly 20 years, chiefly in broadcasting and communications law and policy. He has also worked for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Mr Tanner's three month appointment will commence on 15 September 2004, following the expiry of Mr Michael Gordon-Smith's appointment on 14 September 2004.

"On behalf of the Government, I would also like to express appreciation for the valuable contribution Mr Gordon-Smith has made to the work of the ABA during the last seven years," Senator Coonan said.