New appointment to the SBS Board

The Albanese Government has appointed Dr Nicholas Pappas AM as a non-executive Director on the SBS Board for a five-year term.  

Dr Pappas was recommended by the independent Nomination Panel as part of a merit-based appointment process. His appointment fills a vacancy created by the departure of Mr Peeyush Gupta AM, whose term concluded on 16 October 2024.

Dr Pappas brings a wide and varied skillset to the Board, and has been a long-term advocate for multicultural Australia. He has deep involvement in the Greek community in Australia and is Chair of the Australian chapter of The Hellenic Initiative as well as a Director of Sydney’s Hellenic Club and Melbourne’s Hellenic Museum. 

He holds chair and directorship positions across a variety of sectors, with an emphasis on law, culture and sport, including the Bank of Sydney, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and was formerly on the Board of Trustees for the Powerhouse Museum. Dr Pappas also has extensive experience in the legal sector, having worked as a commercial litigation lawyer for 40 years.

 In recognition of his lifelong achievements, in 2013 Dr Pappas was appointed to the General Division of the Order of Australia for services to the Arts, Rugby League and the Greek-Australian community. 

This non-executive Director was nominated for appointment by the Nomination Panel as part of the merit-based appointment process for the ABC and SBS Boards. 

The Government acknowledges and thanks Mr Gupta for his significant contribution to the SBS Board. More information about the appointment process is available at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/abc-sbs-board-appointments. 

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP: 

“The SBS has a long history of producing and broadcasting content which is informative and entertaining, and reflects a modern, multicultural Australia.

 “The SBS Board plays an important role in ensuring the SBS fulfils its charter to contribute to the diversity of Australian broadcasting and digital media services, as well as promoting awareness and understanding of Australian cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity.” 

“I look forward to working with Dr Pappas and the SBS Board on continuing to achieve excellence in Australian broadcasting into the future.”