Drama boss Sally Riley to depart ABC

Sally Riley, the ABC’s Head of Drama, Entertainment and Indigenous, is leaving in July, after 13 years with the public broadcaster.

Since joining the ABC in 2010 as the inaugural Head of the Indigenous Department, and subsequently Head of Scripted Production, Riley’s credits have included Mabo, Redfern Now, Stateless, Fires, Preppers, Cleverman, Mystery Road, Total Control, Aftertaste, Black Comedy, Janet King, Wakefield and The Newsreader.

ABC Managing Director David Anderson said, “Sally has not just been responsible for developing and producing an impressive body of screen productions but has also fostered and supported key talent at all stages of the creative process.

“Sally’s passion and creative drive have delivered to our screens many of the stories and programs Australians love and expect of their public broadcaster. I’m sure everyone at the ABC will join me in congratulating her for her achievements and in looking forward to the projects Sally will deliver next.”

Sally Riley said: “As much as I have enjoyed my time at the ABC, it’s time for me to focus on new creative opportunities.

“I am incredibly grateful to the ABC. During my time here I have been supported to commission ground-breaking shows and take risks that I’m not sure would happen anywhere else. I have had the honour to work with the best creatives and executives in Australia and the world.

“I’m also proud of the work that the Bonner Committee has done in increasing the profile of First Nations people and content, both inside and outside the organisation. I’m confident this work will continue from strength to strength with a new generation of incredible people.”

Prior to ABC, in 2008 Riley was awarded the Australian Public Service Medal for her role in the development of initiatives that have increased the participation of Indigenous Australians in the film and television industry.

In 2016 she was named as one of Foreign Policy’s 100 Leading Global Thinkers for her support of First Nations people in the entertainment industry. In 2020 she was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the governing body of the Oscars.

A Wiradjuri woman, Riley’s advocacy for Indigenous self-representation and work in developing initiatives to bring about increased participation by Indigenous artists has earned her respect across the Australian media industry. This includes her leadership as Chair of the ABC’s Bonner Committee.

In 2022 she was recognised by Screen Producers Australia as the inaugural recipient of the Commissioner of the Year Award.

Acting arrangements will be announced by ABC in coming weeks.