New appointments to strengthen Australian storytelling

The Albanese Labor Government has today announced the appointments of Mr Michael Ebeid AM and Ms Pallavi Sharda as members of the Screen Australia Board, each for three-year terms.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the appointments reaffirm the Government’s commitment to supporting an empowered and creative Australian screen industry.

“More and more our screen content is looking like modern Australia. It’s probably the platform where Australians have the best opportunity to see themselves and know each other.

“Today I’m announcing the appointment to the board of Screen Australia two people who have played significant roles in ensuring our screen content better reflects modern Australia.”

Mr Michael Ebeid brings to the role extensive experience from his more than three-decade career in the media, technology and telecommunications sectors. He was previously Chief Executive Officer and managing director of SBS, and in 2017 was made a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the broadcast media and multicultural affairs. Mr Ebeid is currently non-executive director of the Sydney Opera House and also sits on the board of BAI Communications.

Ms Pallavi Sharda is an award-winning Australian actor and speaker with experience in the local and international screen sector. Her acting credits including the Oscar-nominated Australian drama Lion, Netflix series The One and Bollywood films Begum Jaan and Hawaizaada. In Australia, she was the lead actor in the comedy series Retrograde, as well as appearing in The Twelve and Les Norton. Ms Sharda was awarded the Casting Guild of Australia’s Rising Star award in 2017.