APRA AMCOS’ Dean Ormston Joins Government Cultural Policy Advisory Group

APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston is one of several industry leaders who has been appointed to the Australian Government's Policy Advisory Group, to help shape the country's new National Cultural Policy.

The nine member Policy Advisory Group will provide expert advice and industry perspectives to the Australian Government, helping to chart the next chapter for Australia's cultural landscape.

Ormston will be joined by Creative Australia's CEO Adrian Collette, chair Professor Wesley Enoch, and deputy chair Rosheen Garnon, AFTRS' CEO Nell Greenwood, UTS' head of creative writing Professor Sarah Holland-Batt, Screen Australia's CEO Deirdre Brennan, Melbourne Fringe's CEO and CD Simon Abrahams, and Sydney Opera House's director of programming Brenna Hobson in the Panel Advisory Group.

"Australia has an extraordinary cultural story to tell, and enormous potential still to realise, particularly as a music nation," Ormston said. "I look forward to working with the government and my fellow panel members from across the cultural ecosystem to help shape the next national cultural policy that truly unlocks that potential for songwriters, composers and creators, and for generations to come."

Five Expert Panels have also been established under each of the policy's pillars: First Nations First, Centrality of the Artist, A Place for Every Story, Strong Cultural Infrastructure, and Engaging the Audience. The panels will inform the Minister for the Arts and the Policy Advisory Group on key issues and themes raised through the public consultation process.

A diverse and experienced group of industry leaders will contribute to these Panels, including Blackfella Films' producer and MD Darren Dale, La Boite Theatre's artistic director Courtney Stewart, Australian Ballet executive director Claire Spencer, Pub Choir found and director Astrid Jorgensen, musicians John Foreman and Gordi (aka Sophie Payten), and more.

“Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help lay the foundation where for the first time there will have been consecutive national cultural policies," said Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke. “Welcome to the new members, thank you for playing a role in delivering the next National Cultural Policy for all Australians.”