Sir Llew Edwards AC has announced he will retire as Chair of the Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC) Board after 16 years of service.
The distinguished Queensland businessman, former politician and civic leader said his involvement with the PFTC had been extremely rewarding.
‘It has been my great honour to be involved in shaping public policy to help develop Queensland’s film and television industry which provides social, cultural and economic benefits to Queenslanders,’ said Sir Llew Edwards.
Sir Llew was appointed to the PFTC Board in 1992. A former Health Minister, Deputy Premier and Treasurer of Queensland, Sir Llew has been Chancellor of The University of Queensland since 1993. He has served on various other boards, including Jones Lang LaSalle, Westpac, James Hardie Industries and RT Edwards & Sons P/L as well as a range of community and government organisations in Australia.
His resignation from the PFTC Board, effective immediately, is in the midst of a significant production boom in Queensland’s film and television industry.
‘It is gratifying for me to see the local industry gaining such momentum – Queenslanders are more than ever creating exciting screen content and the world is viewing Queensland as a filmmaking paradise, so I’m confident the industry’s future is rosy,’ Sir Llew said.
PFTC Chief Executive Officer Robin James said Sir Llew’s unique wealth of experience in corporate governance, sharp business acumen, and unwavering commitment to the arts in Queensland has been invaluable to the PFTC.
‘Under Sir Llew’s leadership, Queensland’s screen industry has grown into a thriving and prosperous one, which generated $159 million in production expenditure for the state in the 2006-07 financial year,’ Mr James said.
‘Sir Llew has been heavily involved in PFTC since its inception and has become a close personal friend who will be sorely missed.’
Sir Llew extended his gratitude and appreciation to Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Arts Minister Rod Welford for their support over the years.
‘Thanks must also go to my fellow PFTC Board members, with whom it has been an absolute pleasure to serve, for their trust, commitment and expertise, and to Robin James and the PFTC team for their valuable skills and hard work.’
[release from the PFTC]