Former Attorney-General joins Community Broadcasting Foundation

The Community Broadcasting Foundation (CBF) has announced the appointment of Professor Michael Lavarch as its new President, following an extensive and independent recruitment process led by Future Leadership in collaboration with representatives from the CBF and the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia.

Professor Lavarch, a former Australian Attorney-General, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having held leadership positions across the legal, education, finance, energy, and not-for-profit sectors since leaving politics. His appointment marks a significant moment for the community broadcasting sector as it continues to evolve and expand its impact across the country.

“Over 5 million Australians engage with content produced by community broadcasters each week,” said Prof Lavarch. “Community broadcasting is a vital and established part of the Australian media environment—grassroots support and community volunteers are its backbone. In a time of globalised media and algorithm-driven content, community broadcasters are more important than ever for servicing the needs of our communities with authentic local voices.”

Lavarch’s appointment comes as the sector works towards its ambitious Roadmap 2033 vision, a strategic plan to deepen the impact of community broadcasting in every Australian community. He expressed enthusiasm for the journey ahead saying, “I look forward to working with them to cement a future where community broadcasting is at the heart of every community.”

The Community Broadcasting Foundation plays a pivotal role in supporting the sector, distributing more than $20 million annually from the Australian Government’s Community Broadcasting Program to over 450 community broadcasting services nationwide. With tens of thousands of volunteers contributing to the sector and over 5.3 million weekly listeners, community broadcasting remains a cornerstone of Australia’s cultural and civic life.

CBF CEO Jo Curtin acknowledged the contributions of outgoing President Ian Hamm, stating, “Ian laid a strong groundwork for us and we thank him for his contributions to community broadcasting.”

Curtin also welcomed Lavarch’s appointment, highlighting the value of his diverse experience. “Community broadcasting is a critical community and cultural asset. Our funding supports a sustainable and thriving long-term future for community broadcasters, strengthening and deepening their impact in hundreds of communities. Professor Lavarch’s experience serving such a diverse range of Australian communities will be a huge asset to our sector. I look forward to working with Michael on our next steps towards Roadmap 2033.”

Professor Lavarch is currently meeting with stakeholders ahead of the CBF’s next board meeting in November 2025.