AWG announces Claire Pullen as Executive Director

18 October, 2021

The Australian Writers’ Guild is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Pullen as Executive Director. Claire will commence on Monday 25 October 2021 and takes over from AWG Group CEO Jacqueline Elaine, who resigned in July due to a health condition.  

AWG President Shane Brennan welcomes Claire to her new role, stating that, ‘Claire brings high-level strategic experience from her previous roles at the Public Service Association, Family Planning NSW, the Community and Public Sector Union and the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union of NSW. Claire will be a strong advocate for writers at a time of pivotal change in the screen and arts sectors. The AWG National Executive Council celebrates the appointment and looks forward to working with Claire to continue raising the profile and recognition of Australian writers as we move into our 60th year.’

As AWG’s Executive Director, Claire will build on the Guild’s work championing Australian performance writing. She said, ‘It is with great excitement that I accept this position at the Australian Writers’ Guild. I look forward to joining the fight for writers’ rights in the screen, stage and game development industries.’

Claire has a master’s degree in Labour Law and Relations from the University of Sydney. She was most recently Director of Campaigns at the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, enabling month-long strike action, and Women’s Officer at the Public Service Association, where she implemented and launched the ‘What Women Want’ report, the largest survey of working women in NSW. She also delivered an environmental sustainability project, a model sexual harassment clause, a member domestic violence support package and contributed to multiple parliamentary inquiries. As Director of Communications and Campaigns at the Community and Public Sector Union, Claire worked with a national executive to deliver campaign strategies and projects.

She was the winner of the 2019 EMILY Award, given to women who have shown exceptional courage, determination, innovation and commitment to issues, reforms and practices that promote the position of women in Australian society.

Authorised by Shane Brennan 

President, Australian Writers’ Guild

Claire Pullen, Executive Director, Australian Writers' Guild