Screen Producers Australia (SPA) has named Susie Jones, head of documentary and specialist at the ABC, as its 2026 Commissioner of the Year, recognising her contribution to Australian screen production and her work with the independent sector.
The award, voted on by SPA members, acknowledges a commissioner who demonstrates leadership, creativity and collaboration in working with independent producers to bring Australian stories to screen.
Since joining the ABC in 2023, Jones has overseen a broad factual slate spanning documentary features and premium factual series, positioning her as a key figure in shaping the national broadcaster’s non-fiction output.
Her commissioning work includes titles such as The Kimberley, The Assembly, I Was Actually There, The Matter of Facts, The Piano, Stuff the British Stole and Eat the Invaders, alongside a pipeline of feature documentaries scheduled for broadcast in 2026.
SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said Jones’ recognition reflects both the volume of work commissioned and her engagement with the production community.
“Susie has demonstrated a clear commitment to working constructively with producers to develop ambitious factual storytelling. Her commissioning slate reflects both creative range and editorial confidence, supporting productions that engage audiences while delivering meaningful cultural and social insight.”
Strong ties with the independent sector
Jones’ recent projects have been developed in partnership with a wide range of SPA member companies, including Ambience Entertainment, Closer Productions, Dreamchaser Entertainment, Eureka Productions, Helium Pictures, Bus Stop Films, Southern Pictures, Wild Pacific Media and WildBear Entertainment.
Her leadership has supported a diverse mix of productions, including Muster Dogs S3 (Collies & Kelpies), Eat the Invaders, The Role of a Lifetime, Grand Designs Australia S12, Restoration Australia S7, The Piano S1, The Assembly S2, Miriam Margolyes in New Zealand, The Kimberley and PNG: The Road to Independence, alongside in-house factual series and upcoming feature documentaries.
Prior to joining the ABC, Jones held roles at Netflix, SBS, Matchbox Pictures and BBC Comedy, building experience across commissioning, development and production.
Industry recognition at Screen Forever
The Commissioner of the Year Award will be presented at the 24th Annual SPA Awards on Thursday, 30 April 2026, held during SCREEN FOREVER 40 at The Star on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
The SPA Awards recognise excellence in Australian screen production and are voted on by SPA members.