The Australian Press Council (APC) today announced an orderly leadership transition following Chair Dr Bronte Adams AM's decision to step down due to increasing caring responsibilities for her mother, whose health has recently declined.
Dr Adams will remain Chair through the completion of the CEO recruitment process before handing over to Vice Chair Mohamed el Roubi as Acting Chair. Council member Kaaren Koomen AM has temporarily stepped down from Council to serve as Acting Chief Executive Officer, providing experienced organisational leadership while recruitment of a permanent CEO is finalised. Together, these arrangements will ensure a smooth transition.
Dr Adams has served as Chair since December 2025.
Dr Adams said:
"This has been a very difficult decision, and I genuinely wish circumstances were otherwise. Unfortunately, my mother's health has declined significantly and I need to devote more of my time and attention to caring for her.
It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the Australian Press Council. I've particularly valued the opportunity to work alongside Council members, the Executive and staff. Their professionalism, generosity and commitment to the public interest have made this role immensely rewarding.
While this is much earlier than I had expected or intended, I leave deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served, and I have every confidence in the future of the organisation."
Vice Chair Mohamed el Roubi thanked Dr Adams for her leadership and said he looked forward to supporting the organisation through the transition.
"I've greatly enjoyed working with Bronte over the past eight months and have appreciated her thoughtful, collaborative and principled approach to leadership.
During her tenure, Bronte has helped strengthen the Council's strategic direction, governance and organisational capability, leaving the Australian Press Council well positioned for the future.
On behalf of the Council, I thank Bronte for her dedicated leadership and significant contribution, and wish her and her family all the very best.
The Council remains focused on appointing its next Chief Executive Officer and continuing its work promoting high standards of media practice, supporting freedom of expression, and providing an independent, fair and accessible complaints process for the Australian community."
Recruitment for a permanent Chair will commence shortly.
For more information, please contact:
Emma Lagerlow
Media Consultant, Australian Press Council
E: emma.lagerlow@presscouncil.org.au | T: (02) 9261 1930