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.

Australia Council new chair appointed

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today announced the appointment of Mr James Strong AO as Chair of the Australia Council for the Arts.

“I am delighted that James Strong has agreed to become the new Chair of the Australia Council, following the resignation of David Gonski,” Senator Kemp said.

“Mr Strong's background and experience make him the ideal candidate to lead the Australia Council into the future.”

Mr Strong is the Chair of IAG Insurance and Woolworths, and a former CEO of Qantas. He has extensive experience at the top of several of Australia 's major companies.

He is currently Chair of the Sydney Theatre Company, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and the Australia Business Arts Foundation. He has a long and distinguished record of support for the arts in Australia.

Mr Strong conducted the Orchestras Review 2005, commissioned by the Australian Government, which resulted in additional total funding of more than $32 million over four years (including funding from State Governments) for Australia 's leading orchestras.

The Australia Council for the Arts is the Australian Government's principal arts funding body. It encourages the creativity and development of Australian artists and aims to increase access by all Australians to arts and cultural activities.

“I wish Mr Strong every success in his new role and look forward to working with him in supporting the arts across Australia,” Senator Kemp said.

Mr Strong said he was honoured and delighted to be appointed to follow on from the significant contribution made by David Gonski, and he looked forward to working with the Council members and staff.

Mr Strong also indicated that he would be stepping down from his existing arts boards as soon as appropriate succession arrangements were finalised. He said his decision to sever these links was a very difficult but necessary consequential step.

MELBOURNE
2 June 2006

Media contact: Michael Christo, 03 9650 7274 or 0409 040276