Gender matters

February 7 2020

The 18 members of the new iteration of the Gender Matters Taskforce have been announced, with returning Chair Joanna Werner saying, “These 18 brilliant women represent a cross section of the screen sector and come from varying backgrounds with a range of expertise locally and internationally. This Taskforce will be integral in helping to shape Screen Australia’s next steps as well as promoting the broader industry systemic change that is needed.”

“Whilst Screen Australia’s Gender Matters work has been important, the agency represents only a fraction of the $3 billion local screen industry. As the new Gender Matters Taskforce, we will be seeking to leverage our own expertise and connections to agitate for change in our individual areas of speciality, particularly in areas Screen Australia cannot reach.”

“I really look forward to working with the new Taskforce to find targeted and achievable solutions to ensure we continue to make improvements to our industry and do our part to empower female creatives.”

The Taskforce will provide independent advice to the agency and work beyond Screen Australia’s direct sphere of influence to deliver outcomes for female creatives and assist in the broader industry efforts to achieve gender parity. Formed in 2016 and updated in 2018, the Gender Matters Taskforce is a volunteer-based advisory body for Screen Australia made up of women working across the Australian screen sector.