The Australian Government has opened applications for a new non-executive director on the SBS Board, seeking candidates with experience in media, digital technology, governance, business, cultural policy or the creative industries.
The part-time appointment will run for up to five years, with applications closing at 9 am AEST on Thursday, August 6. The successful candidate will receive annual remuneration of $67,500, with travel expenses covered under Remuneration Tribunal arrangements.
The vacancy was created after the existing director, Dr Nicholas Pappas AM, was appointed SBS chairperson for a five-year term in March, replacing George Savvides. Communications Minister Anika Wells said at the time that Dr Pappas brought leadership experience across the legal, financial, sporting and cultural sectors.
The government said applicants must understand SBS’s Charter and its role as Australia’s multilingual, multicultural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander broadcaster.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate leadership, judgement, financial literacy, personal integrity and a commitment to strong corporate governance.
Substantial experience or knowledge is required in at least one field, including the media industry, broadcasting and digital media, digital technologies, business or financial management, creative arts, educational content, corporate governance, cultural policy or industrial relations.
Experience in advertising, commercial media or digital innovation will also be viewed favourably.
The selection criteria place a particular focus on the ability to understand or represent the communication needs of Australia’s culturally diverse population, including ethnic, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Under the Special Broadcasting Service Act, the board must collectively possess the skills required to govern SBS, understand Australia’s multicultural society and reflect a range of cultural perspectives. At least one board director must be an Indigenous person.
The government said gender, cultural diversity and geographic balance would be considered when the final appointment is made.
The selection process will also recognise non-traditional career paths, including community leadership and voluntary work, rather than relying only on formal qualifications and conventional executive experience.
SBS operates television, radio and digital services, including six free-to-air television channels and an audio network serving more than 60 language communities. Its statutory purpose is to inform, educate and entertain Australians while reflecting the country’s multicultural society.
The SBS Board oversees the broadcaster’s operations and sets its objectives, policies and organisational direction.
Its duties include protecting SBS’s independence and integrity, ensuring its news and information are accurate and balanced, overseeing financial and legal obligations, and ensuring the organisation operates efficiently.
The board is also expected to remain responsive to the needs and views of communities covered by the SBS Charter.
Non-executive directors are expected to attend at least six board meetings each year, including a strategy day. Meetings are generally held in person and last a full day.
Directors may also serve on the Audit and Risk, Codes Review, Remuneration or Community Advisory committees, requiring additional meetings and preparation throughout the year.
Applications will be assessed through the legislated merit-based process used for appointments to both the SBS and ABC boards.
An independent nomination panel will assess written applications, interview shortlisted candidates and conduct referee and probity checks. The panel must then provide the Communications Minister with at least three recommended candidates and a comparative assessment of their suitability.
The government will select its preferred nominee before recommending the appointment to the Governor-General.
The department has warned that the process may take several months because of the interviews, background checks, government consideration and formal appointment requirements.
Current and former federal, state or territory parliamentarians are not eligible while holding political office or for 12 months after leaving. The same restriction applies to senior political staff members, including chiefs of staff, senior advisers and senior media advisers.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo conflict-of-interest and probity checks, which may involve the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Australian Financial Security Authority and other agencies.
The government has engaged executive recruitment company Omera Partners to manage applications. Candidates must apply through the designated online form and attach a résumé, with applications submitted through other channels not accepted.
There are currently no vacancies on the ABC Board, although the government is separately seeking a member for the independent nomination panel responsible for assessing future ABC and SBS board candidates.
The appointment will come as SBS continues to balance its public broadcasting responsibilities with changes in audience behaviour, streaming technology and the growing demand for credible journalism and culturally informed content.
The successful applicant will help oversee a broadcaster expected to represent modern multicultural Australia while maintaining editorial independence from the government that funds it. The department states that the government does not direct SBS programming and that the broadcaster’s independence is protected by Parliament.
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