NEW DIRECTOR FOR NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today announced the appointment of Mr Craddock Morton as Director of the National Museum of Australia (NMA).

'I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Morton, who has been Acting Director of the NMA since 15 December 2003,' Senator Kemp said.

'Mr Morton has developed a good working relationship with the National Museum Council and has a clear understanding of the challenges facing the organisation.

'Mr Morton is a very experienced public sector executive with a strong background in policy development, program management, national administration and stakeholder management and representation.

'In addition to his significant experience working with the cultural and collections sector, he brings to the position a clear sense of purpose and direction, and a successful record of implementing and managing change.'

Mr Morton has held a number of key positions with the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts including Chief General Manager, Corporate and Business.

He was the Chief General Manager at Old Parliament House from 2001 to 2003 and as Chief General Manager of the Acton Peninsula Project from 1999 he oversaw the construction of the National Museum of Australia until its opening in March 2001.

The appointment is for a three-year term, effective from 24 June 2004.

CANBERRA
25 June 2004

---

Media contact: Richard Wise, 02 6277 7350 or 0438 204 554