ABC and Screen Australia partner to strengthen First Nations screen careers – The ABC and Screen Australia have signed a two-year strategic partnership designed to create stronger career, leadership and development pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the screen sector.
The agreement runs from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2028. It provides a framework for the national broadcaster and the federal screen agency to coordinate their expertise, resources and industry connections.
Rather than funding a single production or short-term initiative, the partnership targets the structures that help First Nations practitioners build sustainable careers. That includes entry points for emerging talent, progression into executive and leadership roles, and stronger development pipelines for future projects.
Three priorities for the partnership
The ABC and Screen Australia have identified three main areas for the agreement. The first is supporting the wider First Nations media sector, while the second is establishing talent pipelines for creatives and executives.
The third priority is strengthening development pipelines. Together, the three areas cover both individual career progression and the broader systems needed to move First Nations-led ideas and talent through the Australian screen industry.
Under the agreement, the organisations will identify joint initiatives that can build industry capability and foster leadership development. Possible activities include staff secondments, professional exchanges and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
The partnership will also seek consistent standards and approaches to cultural safety, mentoring and career progression. This gives the agreement a wider workforce focus beyond commissioning and production alone.
Building pathways for the next generation
ABC Director, First Nations Strategy, Kelly Williams said the organisations could combine their reach and specialist knowledge to support practitioners and future leaders.
I am excited to begin working with Rachel and Screen Australia to support career pathways, share knowledge and help grow the First Nations screen industry in ways that maximise the combined expertise, reach and resources of both organisations.
Kelly Williams, ABC Director, First Nations Strategy
The ABC contributes national broadcasting, production, commissioning and workforce experience. Screen Australia brings its role in supporting the development, production and promotion of Australian narrative, documentary and children’s content across television, film, online platforms and games.
Screen Australia also administers the Producer Offset and Australia’s Official Co-production program. Its First Nations Department supports practitioners and projects through development, production and industry-building programs.
First Nations voices shaping the screen sector
Screen Australia Director of First Nations Strategy Rachel Perkins said the strength of the industry depended on developing clear pathways and opening opportunities.
Strong industries are built on strong pathways, and this partnership is designed to nurture talent, create opportunities and ensure First Nations voices continue to shape Australia’s screen and media landscape. We look forward to opening doors, sharing knowledge and supporting the next wave of creative and industry leaders.
Rachel Perkins, Screen Australia Director of First Nations Strategy
The agreement places creative, executive and leadership development within the same framework. This is important because sustainable representation depends on First Nations people having opportunities across decision-making roles as well as on-screen and key creative positions.
It also provides the ABC and Screen Australia with a formal mechanism to share knowledge and align their work over the two-year period. The organisations have not yet announced individual initiatives under the agreement, but secondments, exchanges and shared standards are among the activities being considered.
For more TV Central ABC news, head here. Information about Screen Australia’s First Nations programs is available here.