18 April 2019
Screen Queensland is pleased to share the below media release from Screen Diversity and Inclusion Network (SDIN) announcing new Co-Chairs Tracey Vieira and Tim Soutphommasane
Screen Diversity and Inclusion Network (SDIN) announces new Co-Chairs Tracey Vieira and Tim Soutphommasane
Tracey Vieira, CEO of Screen Queensland, and Tim Soutphommasane, former Race Discrimination Commissioner of the Australian Human Rights Commission and current Professor of Practice at University of Sydney, have been named as the new Co-Chairs of the Screen Diversity and Inclusion Network (SDIN). Courtney Gibson, departing SDIN chair and CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), said: “Tim and Tracey are both passionate about diversity and representation and bring with them quite different but very complementary experience and skills. SDIN members and our industry will benefit from them working together as Co-Chairs.”
Tim Soutphommasane is Professor of Practice (Sociology and Political Theory) at The University of Sydney. He is a political theorist and human rights advocate. From 2013 to 2018 he was Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner. His thinking on patriotism, multiculturalism and national identity has been influential in debates in Australia and Britain. He is the author of five books, including the recently published On Hate (2019). Tim will bring his strong insights into diversity issues across a range of sectors to the SDIN. Tim said: “I’m excited to be joining the Screen Diversity Inclusion Network. We’re a multicultural society, and it’s important we see who we are on our screens. We should be striving to reach our potential and to unleash the cultural energy that comes with diversity.”
Tracey Vieira is CEO of Screen Queensland. She was appointed to the role in 2014 after 10 years in Los Angeles in senior roles for Ausfilm, the industry-government partnership that connects the international screen industry with Australia’s screen incentives, talent and facilities. Under Tracey’s stewardship, Screen Queensland received the inaugural Media RING award for leading and inspiring positive change and last year she was named an AFR Woman of Influence. Tracey said: “I am excited to be appointed Co-Chair of SDIN with Dr Tim Soutphommasane as we join together to amplify diversity and inclusion on screen and in the industry. Content that reflects our cultures, perspectives, diverse backgrounds and experiences matters to audiences who seek to feel included through that window into our stories. Like Dr Soutphommasane I am committed to providing leadership across the industry and demonstrating diversity and inclusion as a way to deliver stronger businesses, creativity and culture.”
SDIN members include all the broadcasters, state and national screen agencies, guilds and business association as well as MediaRING, FreeTV and AFTRS. SDIN members commit to supporting greater inclusiveness around workforce, talent development, training and partnerships. The SDIN Charter and a full list of members is available at www.sdin.com.au.
