Professor Michael Fraser AM has been named as the new Chair of the ACCAN Board following a meeting held in ACCAN’s Sydney office yesterday.

“Professor Fraser has been on the ACCAN Board for a year and has already made a valuable contribution to the organisation during this period,” said ACCAN Chief Executive Teresa Corbin.

“His role as Professor of Law and Director of the Communications Law Centre at the University of Technology (UTS), Sydney, will be invaluable for ACCAN’s research and grants projects in particular, and his industry expertise will ensure that the organisation continues to enhance its standing and reputation as the peak communications’ advocates for Australian consumers.”

Professor Fraser was a founder and CEO of Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) for 21 years and a founding director of various Australian and international copyright management organisations.

He was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2010 for service to the arts, particularly through the promotion of the interests and rights of Australian authors and artisans.

Professor Fraser is a director on the board of the Faculty of Law, UTS; the Australian Copyright Council and the Stolen Generations Testimonies Foundation. He is a member of the Telephone Information Services Standards Council, Steering Committee for the review of the Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code and Vice President of Sydney PEN Centre.

“I’m delighted to be elected Chair and to be working alongside a talented, diverse group of Directors on the Board and with the dedicated ACCAN team led by Teresa Corbin,” said Professor Fraser.

“I would like to acknowledge and appreciate the leadership shown by the outgoing Chair, Sue Salthouse, and the Deputy Chair, Kate Obermayer, who remain on the ACCAN Board.”

“Two years young, ACCAN is already an influential organisation that industry, regulators and government acknowledge punches well above its weight. We will continue to advocate on behalf of all Australians, particularly vulnerable consumers and the constituents of our 150 member groups.”

Ms Johanna Plante was named Deputy Chair and brings with her a wealth of regulatory experience.

Full details of the new ACCAN Board can be found here: 2010-11 ACCAN Board