Summary

The Australian Film, Television, and Radio School (AFTRS) is the national screen and broadcasting School and critical part of Australia’s screen and broadcasting network.

Abolition

Creation

The school which was named the Film and Television School by a bipartisan Act of Parliament in 1973 to provide education, training and research to the screen arts and broadcast sector. This initiative recognised the capability of national storytelling and the need for Australians to access world-class content made by Australians for Australians. It also recognised the need for formal education and training in creating an industry of highly skilled practitioners.

In 1976 it was then amended by the Australian Film and Television School Amendment Act. This Act changed the functions of the school, as originally established, by giving it responsibility for training in the areas of radio broadcasting and audio-visual communications. The name of the school was then changed to the Australian Film, Television and Radio School by the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, to properly reflect the functions of the school.  It retained its previous functions of education and training in film and television for both students and professionals, and the administration of financial grants.

As part of the change in function the school established a Radio Unit which, in 1979, began by providing services and training to Aboriginal broadcasters. In 1981 the school installed a broadcast standard studio and began training for all sectors of radio broadcasting. At this time it also began a course in commercial radio techniques. 

Functions and activities

The function of AFTRS is to find and inspire Australian talent to shape and share their stories with the world by delivering industry-relevant and future-focused education, research and training. AFTRS strive to be the reference point for innovation in screen, sound, and story-making, globally. To ensure AFTRS reflects Australian society, diversity is supported across all the school’s activities, with a focus on supporting the best talent, from all backgrounds, into careers in the industry.

Courses are informed and taught by top industry practitioners and combine theory and practice to develop industry ready graduates. The students and recent graduates of AFTERS have access to a wide range of internship and placement opportunities. Offering a range of facilities and a dedication to enabling Australian storytellers to take their next step, the school’s alumni have won a slate of awards globally including AACTAs, BAFTAs, Golden Globes and Oscars.  The AFTRS radio degree course achieves a high employment for graduates, many of whom go on to be leaders in the industry.

Legislation administered

AFTRS is a Commonwealth statutory authority and cultural agency. It was established in 1973 by a bipartisan Act of Parliament – the Australian Film, Television and Radio School Act 1973. As a statutory body, it also operates under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).

Administrative structure

AFTRS is governed by a Council, accountable to the Australian Government through the Minister for the Arts and is administered through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. It operates under the AFTRS Act and receives Commonwealth support through an annual appropriation in the Budget. AFTRS is also a fully self-accrediting higher education provider, registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

The day-to-day management of AFTRS is the responsibility of the CEO who is appointed by Council. The CEO is assisted in this role by the Executive Directors of Divisions.

Historical agency address

The Australian Film, Television and Radio School is located within The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park (Sydney), NSW.

State/regional structure

Records created by the agency

Additional information

End notes

Sources

Our History | Australian Film Television and Radio School

Governance | Australian Film Television and Radio School

Why AFTRS | Australian Film Television and Radio School

2022-23-AFTRS-Annual-Report_complete4Wsite.pdf

Australian Film, Television and Radio School | Directory