Mission Statement

Stability. Dialogue. Excellence.

More details: my previous experience, and qualifications for the role of Staff Elected Director

Now more than ever, ABC staff need stability. We need people on the Board who are willing to explain where we’re going – and how we plan on getting there. We need to be actively engaged. We need to be given the tools and resources to do our jobs well, and the space, time and continuity to achieve excellence.

The role of Staff Elected Director is deeply important and influential. The elected Staff Member can hold the Board to account on the behalf of Staff. The Staff Elected Director has, historically, supported the ABC’s commitment to delivering on its Charter, its independence, and the integrity of its journalism. At its best, the role has given Staff Members a direct line to the Board.

After more than 35 years as a actor, musician, writer and producer, and 11 years working at the ABC, I have spent a lifetime in and around the Entertainment and Media Industries working as a creative, a technician, a team leader and as a MEAA and a CPSU Union Delegate.

I have prior Board experience, having sat on the Board of the Shakespeare Globe Centre Australia for a number of years. In 2016/17 I had the privilege of sitting at the bargaining table in EBA negotiations as a representative of ABC Staff and the CPSU.

Through my work with the CPSU I have gained invaluable experience, campaigning and supporting Staff Members with individual grievances and organising Staff community events that not only allow, but also encourage people to get involved, to have a say and to be heard.

Since 2013 I served as Secretary of The Arts Party and was honoured to stand as one of their candidates for the Senate in the 2016 Federal Election.

As a Director I will use all that experience and all the tools available to me to ensure that we, the Staff Members, are heard; that the decisions the Board makes are directly influenced by the collective opinion, perspective and outlook of all ABC Staff. I will also ensure that the reasons for those decisions are clearly communicated back to Staff. I want to reignite everyone’s engagement with the SED position. By organising regular local meetings and webinars and by reaching out to individuals directly across the country, I will redefine an open dialogue between ABC Staff and the SED.

Anyone who has worked with me can tell you, I’m never afraid to speak my mind and I don’t shy away from holding those in positions of power to account for their decisions and actions. But I understand the importance of a supportive, steady hand and the need to work with what you already have to change it for the better; not to make things worse by moving too frantically or changing things inconsiderately.

I want to rediscover the power of the Staff Elected Director to bring a sense of stability to the ABC by more clearly communicating the path ahead; supporting and improving the morale of those who work here; and helping everyone to be happier, more engaged and proud of the organisation we all love and support.

More details: my previous experience, and qualifications for the role of Staff Elected Director

Other Questions

• What IS the Staff Elected Director Anyway?