Federal Minister for the Arts Peter Garrett has announced two new appointments to the Australia Council – Ms Rosalba Clemente has been appointed as chair of the Theatre Board and Professor Brad Haseman as community interest representative.

Ms Clemente is currently a lecturer and tutor at Flinders University Drama Centre and has extensive experience as an actor, director and playwright.

Professor Haseman is a published academic writer known internationally for his work in drama education, arts in education, applied theatre and process drama. He is currently Professor and Assistant Dean (Research) at the Creative Industries Faculty at the Queensland University of Technology.

The Minister also announced the re-appointment of Dr Chris Sarra as chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board.