New Chair of the Australian Film, Television and Radio Council

The Albanese Labor Government has today announced the appointment of award-winning writer, director and producer Ms Rachel Perkins as Chair of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) Council for a period of three years.

AFTRS is Australia’s leading specialist education, training and research institution, supporting excellence in Australian screen and audio storytelling.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said Ms Perkins’ was made for this role.

“Rachel is one of Australia’s leading storytellers, particularly when it comes to First Nations stories.

“As graduate herself, Rachel knows the importance of AFTRS and the difference it makes.

“I know Rachel will be outstanding in this role – bringing her expertise, experience and enthusiasm to AFTRS.

“My thanks to previous Chair Russell Howcroft for his years of leadership, as well as Debra Richards for her time serving as Chair.”

Ms Rachel Perkins, a woman of the Arrernte and Kalkadoon nations, has a 30-year career in film and media. She is a writer, director and producer of award-winning television drama, documentaries and feature films. She is also an educator, leader and mentor committed to supporting the next generation of First Nations storytellers.

In 1992 she founded Blackfella Films, which has gone onto become one of Australia’s leading production companies. Its recent documentary series The Australian Wars won Most Outstanding Factual or Documentary Program at the 2023 TV Week Logie Awards, as well as Best Documentary or Factual Program and Best Direction in Nonfiction Television at the 2024 AACTA awards.

Ms Perkins has worked with the Australian Film Commission (now Screen Australia), NITV and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Foundation. Ms Perkins is a graduate of AFTRS and served as a Member on the AFTRS Council from 1998 to 2003.

More information about AFTRS can be found here: Australian Film Television and Radio School (aftrs.edu.au)