The Federal Government has appointed Georgina Somerset AM as the ABC Board’s Deputy Chair for a six-month stint, filling the vacancy left by Peter Tonagh’s resignation in December.
Tonagh stepped down from his role to join the board of Nine Entertainment Co. as an independent non-executive director.
Communications minister Michelle Rowland said “the government wishes Mr Tonagh the best for his next chapter, and thank him for his service to public broadcasting.”
A non-executive director since 2017, Somerset brings experience in regional development and the not-for-profit sector. In a press release, the government says the short-term appointment is aimed at keeping the Board steady as the ABC continues its Charter mission.
According to her biography on the ABC website, Somerset has “board experience across the not-for-profit, government and industry sectors as general president of AgForce Queensland Farmers, a director of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland section), the RFDS Foundation and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, and as Chair of the Red Earth Community Foundation”.
An independent panel will lead a merit-based search to fill the ABC Board’s non-executive Director vacancy, following the process set out in the ABC Act 1983.
Once appointed, the Government will choose a Board member to take on the Deputy Chair role long-term.
Minister Rowland added: “The Board performs a crucial role in guiding the ABC, including maintaining its independence and integrity, and ensuring the accuracy and impartiality of news.
“Ms Somerset has been an asset to the Board during her term and will continue to make a strong contribution in the role of Deputy Chair for the next six months,” she said.
Pictured: Georgina Somerset