Media Release

Board appointments restore independence to ABC and SBS

Four appointments have been made under the Rudd Government's new merit-based system to remove political interference from the ABC and SBC boards.

The board appointments were announced today by Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy.

"The Rudd Government has made a strong commitment to ensure the future strength and independence of our national broadcasters," Senator Conroy said.

"These merit-based appointments demonstrate our resolve to remove political interference and to restore independence to the ABC and SBS boards."

The new ABC non-executive directors are Mr Michael Lynch CBE AM and Dr Julianne Schultz AM.

The new SBS non-executive directors are Ms Elleni Bereded-Samuel and Mr Joseph Skrzynski AO.

Each new director has been appointed for a period of five years from 27 March 2009.

"I congratulate Mr Lynch, Dr Schultz, Ms Bereded-Samuel and Mr Skrzynski on their appointments, which are the first to be made under the Rudd Government's new merit-based appointments process," said Senator Conroy.

"For the first time, applications for positions on each board were open to all Australians. More than 300 expressions of interest were received."

A four-member independent Nomination Panel, consisting of Ric Smith AO PSM, Professor Allan Fels AO, Leneen Forde AC and David Gonski AC, assessed applications, interviewed selected candidates and provided the Minister with a short-list of candidates for each vacancy.

The four new directors were selected from this short-list.

The Government intends to legislate to entrench the merits-based appointments process later this year.

"The experience, knowledge and skills that these four people will bring to the boards of the ABC and SBS will greatly strengthen Australia's national broadcasters," Senator Conroy said.

Mr Michael Lynch CBE AM - ABC non-executive director

Mr Lynch has a very strong record in the administration of significant cultural institutions both in Australia and the United Kingdom, including as Chief Executive of the Australia Council (1994-1998) and Sydney Opera House (1998-2002). He is highly respected within the Australian arts community and has a strong reputation internationally.

"Mr Lynch's experience in arts administrationincluding his role as Chief Executive of the Southbank Centre in London since 2002will be invaluable to the ABC as it positions in the emerging media environment," Senator Conroy said.

Dr Julianne Schultz AM - ABC non-executive director

Dr Schultz is a distinguished and well-respected academic and media professional with extensive experience in all aspects of media management and practice. She is an experienced practitioner in journalism and publishing, most recently in her capacity as a Professor at the Centre for Public Culture and Ideas at Griffith University and as the current and founding editor of the Griffith Review. She was co-chair of the Creative Stream at the Australia 2020 Summit and is a director of the Grattan Institute.

"Dr Schultz has made a valuable contribution to the conversation about Australia's future. Her strong background in media and communications will provide an informed and independent perspective on the place of the ABC in the national and international media environment," Senator Conroy said.

Ms Elleni Bereded-Samuel - SBS non-executive director

Ms Bereded-Samuel is currently the Community Engagement Coordinator with Victoria University, and is also currently Chair of the SBS Community Advisory Committee. These positions build on her previous work as a journalist and a television presenter on Ethiopian Television. She has served on the Australian Social Inclusion Board, the Victorian Multicultural Commission and the Community Advisory and Diversity Committee.

"Ms Bereded-Samuel's strong links to the multicultural community and professional service give her an outstanding knowledge and understanding of the diverse needs of the Australian community. Ms Bereded-Samuel will also make a positive contribution to the SBS Board on employee-related issues," Senator Conroy said.

Mr Joseph Skrzynski AO - SBS non-executive director

Mr Skrzynski has made a significant contribution to the community, arts and the media since 1969. He is a Board Member of the Sydney Film School and a Fellow of the University of Sydney Senate. He served as the Chairman of the Sydney Opera House Trust (1996-2004) and on the Major Organisations Fund of the Australia Council (1995-2000). He has extensive experience in managing private and public companies and strong expertise in financial matters, including his position as Founding Partner, CHAMP Private Equity.

"Mr Skrzynski's active involvement in the cultural sector, his extensive business experience and his high-level skills in governance and leadership will make him an asset to the Board," Senator Conroy said.

Date: 1 April 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457