14 December 2006

Mr Maurice Newman AC appointed ABC Chairman

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today announced Mr Maurice Newman AC will be the next Chairman of the Board of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

“I am delighted Mr Newman has agreed to accept this important appointment. I believe his considerable experience across the corporate and community sectors and his previous experience as a Director on the ABC Board has him well placed to lead a national broadcaster,” Senator Coonan said.

“Over the coming years the ABC, like all broadcasters, will face the challenges of an increasingly converged and global media landscape and play a major role in the drive towards digital broadcasting in Australia,” Senator Coonan said.

Mr Newman will take up the role of ABC Chairman from 1 January 2007 for a five year term.

Mr Newman has had a long and distinguished professional career spanning more than 40 years, with high level involvement in the financial, banking, investment, education and tourism sectors. Mr Newman has prior experience of the ABC having also served on the ABC Board as a non-executive Director between 2000 and 2004.

Mr Newman is currently Chairman of the Australian Securities Exchange. He is also a Director with Queensland Investment Corporation, Chancellor of Macquarie University, Chairman of Tourism New South Wales, Patron of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia and Chairman of the Federal Treasurer’s Financial Sector Advisory Council. He is also Chair or Patron for a number of community organisations.

“I come to this job with an open mind, with enthusiasm and a passion to serve the ABC and the community who love it, and rely upon its independence,” Mr Newman said.

“The role of the Board is to make sure the ABC is run with integrity and operates in the public interest consistent with its Charter. The ABC is responsible for spending millions of dollars of taxpayer’s money each year.

“It must demonstrate it spends it in a way which meets its Charter obligations, while delivering quality and the best value for money.”

Mr Newman will take the place of Mr Donald McDonald AC, who will retire as Chairman of the ABC on 31 December 2006. Mr McDonald has served as Chairman since 24 July 1996.