ADA appoints Ben Rice as new Executive Officer

Thursday 17 September 2020
For immediate release

Canberra, Australia—The Board of the Australian Digital Alliance (ADA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Ben Rice as its new Executive Officer, taking over from Ms Jessica Coates, who had held the role since 2015.

Mr Rice is a lawyer, admitted as a solicitor in New South Wales. Before joining the ADA Mr Rice worked on policy – including copyright – as a policy adviser with Policy Australia and Eloquium Group. He has extensive experience conducting research, providing advice, writing submissions in response to government consultations, engaging with stakeholders and monitoring developments in intellectual property, digital technologies and media law.

“Now is an exciting time for copyright in Australia and I am determined to continue the ADA’s exceptional work advocating for the public interest in debates about the future of copyright law,” Mr Rice said.

“For more than 20 years the ADA has remained committed to advocating for balanced copyright law that encourages creativity and promotes access to knowledge, information and culture. I am passionately committed to this cause.”

Announcing Mr Rice’s appointment, ADA Chairperson Derek Whitehead OAM said, “We are thrilled to appoint someone with Ben’s wealth of policy experience. The Board and I warmly welcome Ben to the ADA.”

“Ben joins the ADA at a point in time when his leadership and skills will make a significant contribution to copyright reform in Australia.”

“The last few years have been a busy time for copyright in Australia and there’s more work to be done as we anticipate the government’s copyright access reforms,” Mr Whitehead said, “We look forward to working closely with Ben during his tenure.”

Mr Rice commences in the role immediately. Mr Rice will also fill the role of Copyright Law and Policy Adviser to the Australian Libraries Copyright Committee (ALCC), also effective immediately.

ENDS