The Albanese Labor Government has appointed the first members to the Implementation Advisory Group supporting Equity: the Arts and Disability Associated Plan (Equity).
The group is made up of 13 d/Deaf and disabled artists and arts workers who bring a broad range of experience from across the arts, screen, digital games and cultural sectors.
Members represent every State and Territory and include a mix of emerging leaders, established professionals, experienced advocates and agents for change, reflecting the diversity of the Australian Arts and Disability sector.
The group will ensure people with disability are a core part of implementing, monitoring and evaluating the key activities bringing Equity to life.
The 13 members of the Implementation Advisory Group for 2025-26 are:
- Mr Adrian Robertson (NT)
- Ade Djajamihardja (VIC)
- Stephanie Dower (QLD)
- Catherine Dunn (QLD)
- Gia Hilditch (WA)
- Debra Keenahan (NSW)
- Geoffrey Lim (VIC)
- Meg Riley (SA)
- Elise Romaszko (TAS)
- Cara-Ann Simpson (QLD)
- Hannah Lee Tungate (WA)
- Daniel Aylett (ACT - Observer Member)
- Georgia Scott (NSW - Observer Member)
The group will come together for their first meeting in early September 2025.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said it was important that people with disability from a range of backgrounds are closely involved with the implementation of Equity.
"We want Australia's arts cultural, screen and digital games sectors to reflect our diverse communities.
"Equity sets our roadmap for change. This group will now lend their expertise to this work so that artists and arts workers with disability can participate equitably and build lasting careers.
"Thank you to all artists and arts workers who applied. The significant interest from across the sector sends a strong message on the appetite for progress and need for change outlined in Equity."
Special Envoy for the Arts, Susan Templeman said this is a significant move towards a great represented arts sector.
"The implementation of Equity is a crucial step towards a more inclusive and diverse arts sector in Australia.
"This plan was developed in partnership with people with disability and its delivery will be guided by their insight.
"The appointees to the Implementation Advisory Group bring extraordinary depth of knowledge and diversity of experience to this important task."
Equity is an important action under Australia's National Cultural Policy, Revive and is an Associated Plan under Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031.
