The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has announced two new appointments to its board, with Dr Lisa Caffery named Deputy Chair and former diplomat Damien Miller appointed as a director.
ABC Chair Kim Williams welcomed the appointments announced by Communications Minister Anika Wells, with Dr Caffery replacing former Deputy Chair Peter Tonagh and Miller filling the vacancy created following the expiry of Mario D’Orazio’s five-year term on the board.
Williams also thanked fellow board member Georgina Somerset for serving as acting Deputy Chair during the interim period following Tonagh’s resignation.
Dr Lisa Caffery
Regional leadership and governance experience
Dr Caffery, who is based in Emerald in regional Queensland, holds a PhD from Central Queensland University and has completed the University of Cambridge Sustainability Leadership program.
Her research interests include health equity, STEM education, social impact and rural resilience.
Williams described Dr Caffery as an experienced regional Australian business leader with expertise across regulated sectors, including water, infrastructure, health, government and the not-for-profit sector.
She currently serves on the boards of Mater Health Queensland and Dams Safety NSW and is the former chair of Queensland bulk water entity Sunwater Ltd.
“I have no doubt, Dr Caffery, and I will forge an effective relationship as we work with our fellow ABC Board colleagues to ensure proper guidance and performance delivery by the ABC over the coming years,” Williams said.
Damien Miller
Former ambassador joins ABC board
Williams also welcomed Miller, of the Gangulu people, noting his extensive international experience across a 25-year diplomatic career.
In 2013, Miller became the first Indigenous Australian appointed as an Australian Head of Mission when he was named ambassador to Denmark, Norway and Iceland.
He also served in Washington, D.C., Berlin and Kuala Lumpur before later joining several boards, including the ANZ School of Government.
Williams said he was particularly pleased the Minister had appointed a First Nations Australian with international experience to the board.
D’Orazio departs after five years
Williams paid tribute to outgoing director Mario D’Orazio, who served on the ABC board for five years and chaired the board’s People and Culture Committee.
He said the board had benefited from D’Orazio’s media leadership experience and praised his “warm collegiate approach”.
D’Orazio said, “It’s been a privilege to have served on the ABC Board for the past five years. The organisation is making important progress in many areas.
“I’m pleased to have played my part in creating the role of the Office of the Ombudsman and the establishment of the People and Culture Board committee, both of which are significant structural improvements in the ABC’s governance.
“While the future poses many challenges, I am confident the current leadership will ensure the ABC delivers on its charter. As I look forward to returning to the private sector, I wish the ABC every success.”
Main image: Dr Lisa Caffery and Mr Damien Miller