Following a meeting with ACT Senator Gary Humphries last night to discuss proposals for change at ScreenSound Australia, Chief Executive of the Australian Film Commission (AFC) Kim Dalton has agreed there will be no job losses from ScreenSound.
Mr Dalton says that as a result of concerns expressed by Senator Humphries and by staff, unions and stakeholders, the AFC has made a commitment that no jobs will be lost, including senior management, and no existing functions will be moved out of Canberra as a result of the review of ScreenSound programs. In addition no senior management positions will be moved out of Canberra.
"This commitment to ScreenSound staff and management is made unconditionally. I hope this will now provide the opportunity for an open and constructive discussion to take place around the Directions Paper," Mr Dalton said.
The AFC welcomes discussion on the various proposals in the paper which include an expanded Canberra-based school visitor program, touring exhibitions to regional Australia, and the establishment of the Centre for Scholarship and Archival Research in Canberra.
Mr Dalton said the deadline for responses to the Directions Paper has been extended from 23 January to 16 February 2004 to further accommodate concerns and a series of forums will be held around the country, including in Canberra, before that date to assist the process of consultation.
Mr Dalton urged all those who are interested to read and respond to the Directions Paper found on the AFC's website at www.afc.gov.au
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