NEW REPORT: TV CASTING RACIST

Date: 01 May 2000

A new report into the casting of television drama productions such as Water Rats, Blue Heelers and All Saints concludes that racial discrimination in the casting process persists.

A new report into the casting of television drama productions such as Water Rats, Blue Heelers and All Saints concludes that racial discrimination in the casting process persists.

A new report into the casting of elevision drama productions such as Water Rats, Blue Heelers and All Saints concludes that racial discrimination in the casting process persists.

The report, the result of a survey of all actors working in Australian television drama productions in 1999, has found that there were no Asian actors or first generation migrants cast in sustaining roles.

Simon Whipp, National Director of the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance said, "It is appalling that in the 21st Century our television screens still do not reflect Australian society."

"How a performer looks or sounds, rather than their skill, continues to prevent them obtaining work."

On a positive note overall casting of non-anglo performers was up significantly to 23%. The last survey on the issue conducted in 1992 found only 2% of all roles were cast with non-anglo performers.

The representation of indigenous Australians was also up.

"This is a positive sign. While the improvement is applauded we were starting from a low base. In 1992 no roles were cast with indigenous performers" said Whipp.

"This report highlights that further work is needed with a co-operative approach between the networks, the producers and the Alliance. This is what we will be trying to achieve" said Whipp.

The report will be launched today by the Hon. Phillip Ruddock, Minister for Multicultural Affairs at the Australian Film Commission, Ground floor, 150 William Street Sydney at 4pm.

Performers, Deborah Mailman, George Smilovici and Anthony Wong are to be among the speakers at the launch.

For further information

Contact:	Simon Whipp
Union:	MEAA
Phone:	9333 0973
Email:	swhipp@meaa.aust.com
WWW:	http://www.alliance.org.au

LaborNET is proudly created, designed and programmed
by Social Change Online for the Labor Council of NSW
[Credits] [Site Matters]