ACETA Management Update-March 2026
This month, the ACETA Members Circle (AMC©) reviewed gender discrimination and under-utilisation of the resident industry skill base in Australia, it was suggested we include an abridged version in this month’s ACETA Management Update, followed by Frank Hintons report on the evening with Ern Rose and the celebration of his entry into the ACETA Archive of Excellence©.
Gender discrimination raises its head from time to time in our industry, largely to the detriment of female aspirants and participants. We suspect it is a diminishing mindset but perhaps embedded in some, and best dealt with through education and leadership. ACETA’s position on gender discrimination can be found in the principles expressed in its constitution, which clarify that ACETA exists to serve everyone equally regardless of age, gender, nationality, religion or political persuasion, who is, or wishes to participate in the entertainment technology sector.
Available international statistics reveal that approximately 90% of the workforce in our industry are male and 10% female, and this split is considered similar in Australia. Given changing societal attitudes, greater educational opportunities, and a growing realisation that females are just as capable as males in all industry disciplines (more so in some, less so in others), we can and need to do much better. Therefore, if your employment focus is centred on employing males, you are denying yourself access to over half (50.7%) of the resident skill potential in Australia, and if this is your position, you may like to reconsider, or be left behind.
We should all be concerned with the industry employment gender ratio, and abandon previously held assumptions and biases to achieve genuine inclusion and a more constructive balance. ACETA will consider the role it can play to promote better outcomes at the next board of management meeting.
On Tuesday evening the 24th March 2026, ACETA filmed episode 12 of the Archive of Excellence to acknowledge live sound and recording engineer/producer Ern Rose. The 50-minute interview, conducted in the presence of a live audience, was revealing and candid. Few, if anybody, knew of, or understood Ern Rose’s body of work and achievements spanning a 6-decade career, such is his modest disposition. The new Sabre Sound Studio in Port Melbourne was the perfect environment to host this special event. Legendary Australian guitarist Phil Manning treated guests to a set of acoustics blue, that complimented the evening and its purpose perfectly. Studio Connections sponsored the catering, which included hot and cold food, a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks, all of which were greatly appreciated. A wonderful story, pure talent, impeccable catering, a well-appointed environment and great company make for a special experience. Given the fact we don’t often interact in real time anymore, this occasion proved that people are content and at their happiest when connected together in a common interest, and that is an ACETA purpose, connection.
Until next month
Julie Hinton
ACETA Manager
Gender discrimination raises its head from time to time in our industry, largely to the detriment of female aspirants and participants. We suspect it is a diminishing mindset but perhaps embedded in some, and best dealt with through education and leadership. ACETA’s position on gender discrimination can be found in the principles expressed in its constitution, which clarify that ACETA exists to serve everyone equally regardless of age, gender, nationality, religion or political persuasion, who is, or wishes to participate in the entertainment technology sector.
Available international statistics reveal that approximately 90% of the workforce in our industry are male and 10% female, and this split is considered similar in Australia. Given changing societal attitudes, greater educational opportunities, and a growing realisation that females are just as capable as males in all industry disciplines (more so in some, less so in others), we can and need to do much better. Therefore, if your employment focus is centred on employing males, you are denying yourself access to over half (50.7%) of the resident skill potential in Australia, and if this is your position, you may like to reconsider, or be left behind.
We should all be concerned with the industry employment gender ratio, and abandon previously held assumptions and biases to achieve genuine inclusion and a more constructive balance. ACETA will consider the role it can play to promote better outcomes at the next board of management meeting.
On Tuesday evening the 24th March 2026, ACETA filmed episode 12 of the Archive of Excellence to acknowledge live sound and recording engineer/producer Ern Rose. The 50-minute interview, conducted in the presence of a live audience, was revealing and candid. Few, if anybody, knew of, or understood Ern Rose’s body of work and achievements spanning a 6-decade career, such is his modest disposition. The new Sabre Sound Studio in Port Melbourne was the perfect environment to host this special event. Legendary Australian guitarist Phil Manning treated guests to a set of acoustics blue, that complimented the evening and its purpose perfectly. Studio Connections sponsored the catering, which included hot and cold food, a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks, all of which were greatly appreciated. A wonderful story, pure talent, impeccable catering, a well-appointed environment and great company make for a special experience. Given the fact we don’t often interact in real time anymore, this occasion proved that people are content and at their happiest when connected together in a common interest, and that is an ACETA purpose, connection.
Until next month
Julie Hinton
ACETA Manager