Screen Producers Australia (SPA) today announced Susie Jones, Head of Documentary and Specialist at the ABC, as the recipient of the 2026 Commissioner of the Year Award, recognising her outstanding contribution to Australian screen production.
The Commissioner of the Year Award, voted on by SPA members, honours a commissioner who has demonstrated excellence in leadership, creativity and collaboration while working closely with independent production businesses to bring distinctive Australian stories to audiences.
Since joining the ABC in 2023, Jones has overseen a significant slate of factual programming spanning documentary features and premium factual series. Her commissioning leadership has supported the development and delivery of a wide range of thought-provoking productions including The Kimberley, The Assembly, I Was Actually There, The Matter of Facts, The Piano, Stuff the British Stole and Eat the Invaders. She has also commissioned several feature documentaries scheduled to broadcast on the ABC in 2026.
SPA CEO Matthew Deaner said Jones’ recognition reflects both the scale of her commissioning activity and her strong engagement with the independent production sector.
“Susie has demonstrated a clear commitment to working constructively with producers to develop ambitious factual storytelling. Her commissioning slate reflects both creative range and editorial confidence, supporting productions that engage audiences while delivering meaningful cultural and social insight.”
Jones’ recent commissioning work has included projects delivered in partnership with SPA member companies such as Ambience Entertainment, Closer Productions, Dreamchaser Entertainment, Eureka Productions, Helium Pictures, Bus Stop Films, Southern Pictures, Wild Pacific Media and WildBear Entertainment, among others.
Her leadership has contributed to a diverse slate of productions including Muster Dogs S3 (Collies & Kelpies), Eat the Invaders, The Role of a Lifetime, Grand Designs Australia S12, Restoration Australia S7, The Piano S1, The Assembly S2, Miriam Margolyes in New Zealand, The Kimberley and PNG: The Road to Independence, alongside a number of in-house factual series and upcoming feature documentary projects.
Prior to joining the ABC, Jones held roles at Netflix, SBS, Matchbox Pictures and BBC Comedy, building extensive experience across commissioning, development and production.
The Commissioner of the Year Award will be formally presented at the 24th Annual SPA Awards ceremony on Thursday 30 April 2026, the final evening of SCREEN FOREVER 40, at The Star on Queensland's Gold Coast.
The SPA Awards recognise excellence in Australian screen production and are voted on by SPA members.
For more information visit: screenproducers.org.au.
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