The Australian Directors Guild’s application for registration as an industrial organisation was yesterday approved by Vice President Hatcher of the Fair Work Commission.
“This has been a long-term goal for the ADG and we have been striving to achieve it for many years,” said Ray Argall President of the Guild. “On behalf of the ADG board I would like to thank all those members and staff who have contributed to this outcome.”
“This will enable all our directors to be legally represented by the ADG in negotiations with producers,” said Kingston Anderson, the Executive Director of the ADG. “I would also like to thank all our friends both on Australia and overseas for their support.”
Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay and National Executive Director Jay D. Roth said: “The ADG has worked for many years to bring all of the strengths and benefits of union membership to the directors it represents, and we extend our hearty congratulations upon the successful conclusion of this hard-fought and critical campaign.
“We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with ADG as we work together to protect and enhance the creative and economic rights of directors and their teams.”
Tui Ruwhiu, ED of the Directors & Editors Guild of New Zealand, said: “We celebrate this outstanding achievement by the ADG, which illustrates their ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of their members.”
The ADG was established over 30 years ago and represents the interests of film, television and digital media directors as well as documentary makers and animator throughout Australia. Members include BAZ LUHRMANN, PHILLIP NOYCE, GILLIAN ARMSTRONG, ROBERT CONNOLLY, TOM ZUBRYCKI, PETER ANDRIKIDIS and over 800 other directors from all sectors of the screen industry