The merit-based appointment process

The merit-based appointment process will ensure that all future appointments to the ABC and SBS Boards are conducted in a manner that fosters transparency, accountability and public confidence. The process is summarised as follows:

1. The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (the Minister) will advise incumbents, in writing, at least four months before the expiry of their appointment whether it is intended to reappoint them, not reappoint them, or to advertise the position to test the field.
2. A merit-based selection process with the following features will apply for filling vacancies:
   1. the assessment of applicants' claims will be undertaken by an independent Nomination Panel established at arms-length of the Government
   2. vacancies will be widely advertised, at a minimum in the national press and the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy website
   3. the assessment of candidates will be made against a core set of selection criteria, supplemented where necessary by additional criteria as agreed by the Minister, and
   4. a report will be provided by the Nomination Panel to the Minister with a shortlist of recommended candidates.
3. A broad definition of merit will be applied to ABC and SBS Board appointments whereby formal qualifications and traditional work experience will form only one element. Non-traditional activities and career paths are recognised and valued as suitable qualifications which contribute to an individual's overall suitability for appointment.
4. Where the Minister intends to recommend supporting an individual not recommended by the Nomination Panel, the Minister will write to the Prime Minister setting out his reasons. If approved by the Prime Minister, and subsequently by the Governor-General, the Minister will table a statement of reasons to both Houses of Parliament within 15 sitting days of the announcement of the appointment.
5. Where the appointment is that of the Chair of the ABC Board, the successful candidate will be selected by the Prime Minister, in consultation with the Minister, from the shortlist supplied by the Nomination Panel. The Prime Minister will consult with the Leader of the Opposition before making a recommendation to the Governor-General.
6. Where the Prime Minister intends to recommend to the Governor-General an individual not recommended by the Nomination Panel for the Chair of the ABC Board, the Prime Minister will table a statement of reasons to both Houses of Parliament within 15 sitting days of the announcement of the appointment.
7. All appointments will be made for a period of up to five years. Non-executive Directors of the ABC and SBS Boards will be eligible for a total maximum appointment of 10 years.
8. The principles of equal opportunity and diversity will be followed throughout the selection process. In particular, consideration will be given to ensuring that the membership of the Boards encompasses diversity in gender and geographical representation.

A copy of the complete policy and guidelines for merit-based appointments to the ABC and SBS Boards is available on the ABC and SBS Board Appointments page.

Persons Ineligible for Appointment

Current or former members of the Commonwealth Parliament, state and territory parliaments or legislative assemblies and current or former senior political staff are not eligible for appointment to the ABC or SBS Boards.

Senior political staff has been defined as including the following current and former government and non-government staff positions:

• Chief of Staff
• Special Adviser
• Principal Adviser
• Senior Adviser
• Media Adviser, and
• Adviser.

It does not include:

• Assistant Adviser
• Junior Adviser
• Assistant Media Adviser
• Junior Media Adviser
• Clerk to Whip
• Executive Assistant/Office Manager
• Secretary/Administrative Assistant
• Electorate Officer, or
• Department Liaison Officer.

• Document ID: 87611 |
• Last modified: 2 June 2009, 4:42pm