Hello everyone. We have some exciting updates to kick off the year.

Firstly, the federal government’s National Cultural Policy, “Revive”, was released last month and it includes some significant items. The policy outlines the creation of a new body that will provide advice on issues of pay, safety, codes of conduct and welfare across the various arts sectors — and I’m sure all in the screen industries will welcome a review of these fundamental aspects of our work. As members of the government have recently said, “arts jobs are real jobs”.

Although the Policy has a broader focus than the screen industry, there is recognition of the need to support investment in large-scale screen productions, and to introduce requirements for Australian content on streaming providers. There is also a promise to provide secure funding for SBS and ABC, along with the addition of initiatives for games and interactive media. These are all things that the ASSG and our peer guilds have been asking of government for some years, and so it is encouraging to know that our voices have now been heard.

On another matter, if you haven’t already heard the news: the AACTA awards have been moved from December to February to align with the international awards season, and will also be moving to the Gold Coast, starting in 2024. While this move may create some scheduling conflicts for our local industry, it also presents a great opportunity to gain more recognition on a global scale.

In other news, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the AFTRS (Australian Film Television and Radio School). AFTRS is holding events throughout the year and across the country to celebrate the milestone and recognise the contribution of graduates to the industry. We know that many of our members are AFTRS alumni, so we will be moving the date of our own awards ceremony to avoid a clash with AFTRS’ gala celebration, planned for November. This way, both events can be enjoyed and celebrated by all.

Finally, we have received notice from Fair Trading NSW that our new constitution, approved by members at the AGM, has been formally accepted.

Steve Murphy
ASSG President