The Albanese Government has appointed Ms Georgina Somerset AM as Deputy Chairperson of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Board for a period of six months.
Ms Somerset has served on the Board as a non-executive Director since 2017 and brings considerable experience to the role, including across the not-for-profit and regional development sectors.
Her appointment as Deputy Chair for a six-month term will provide stability and certainty to the Board, as the ABC continues to deliver on its Charter to provide services and programs that inform and entertain Australians.
Ms Somerset's appointment fills the vacant Deputy Chair position created by the resignation of non‑executive Director and Deputy Chair Mr Peter Tonagh in December 2024.
Mr Tonagh served on the ABC Board as a non-executive Director from May 2021, and was appointed Deputy Chair in November of that year.
The Government thanks Mr Tonagh for his service throughout his time on the Board and wishes him well for his future endeavours.
The independent Nomination panel for ABC Board appointments will conduct a merit-based selection process to fill the non-executive Director vacancy on the Board, in line with requirements under the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983.
Following this process, the Government will select a non-executive Director from the ABC Board to perform the Deputy Chair role in the longer term.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"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.
"On behalf of the Government, I wish Mr Tonagh the best for his next chapter, and thank him for his service to public broadcasting."
