Australian TV criticised for lacking diversity in casts

Australian TV has come under fire for a lack of diversity in its casting.

Screen Australia has completed a report into diversity in Australian TV drama, it is has found our screens are disproportionately white.

TV historian Andrew Mercado told Tom Elliott we could be doing better.

‘I’m not saying we only put people in a show because they’re ethnic,’ Mr Mercado said.

‘When we cast the role of a new doctor, we should open it up to everybody.’ 

Mr Mercado said 1960s shows like Bellbird featured actors from various different backgrounds and interracial couples, but we’ve become ‘safer’ since then.

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