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Ben Au
Director of Policy & Government Affairs at Interactive Games & Entertainment Association AUS/NZ (IGEA)
Ben Au is a prominent figure in the realm of policy and government relations within the interactive and video game industry, currently serving as the Director of Policy & Government Affairs at the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA). With a strong dedication to advocating for the rights and opportunities within the games sector across Australia and New Zealand, Ben plays a crucial role in navigating the complex landscape of regulations and legislative changes that affect the industry. His expertise encompasses a range of areas, including cybersecurity, national security, and screen industry funding, all of which have profound implications for the interactive entertainment sector.
Before his current role at IGEA, Ben Au made significant contributions within the Australian Government over a decade, where he held various senior positions in policy development and management. His tenure included vital work on issues related to cyberbullying and cyber abuse, helping to shape policies that protect individuals in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Ben's work at the Office of the eSafety Commissioner notably enhanced measures against online abuse, positioning him as a key advocate for safer online environments for all users.
Ben's impressive career further includes his leadership as the Director of the Australian and Children's Screen Content Review Taskforce, where he was instrumental in ensuring appropriate content classification and promoting the Australian screen industry's growth. In addition, as the Senior Policy Advisor during the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption, he helped navigate sensitive issues surrounding governance and accountability in organizations.
His academic credentials are equally robust, with a strong foundation in business and law from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where he earned both a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Laws. Ben also pursued advanced studies, attaining a Graduate Diploma in Management from the University of London and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Australian National University. Furthermore, his Master of International Security Studies from Macquarie University assures that Ben possesses a deep understanding of the dynamic interplay between global security matters and domestic policy challenges.