Dan Ilic to Lead GetUp as CEO
· coffee
The Comedian Takes Over: Can Dan Ilic Revitalize GetUp?
Dan Ilic’s appointment as the next chief executive of GetUp has sent shockwaves through Canberra’s activist circles. On one hand, it’s a bold move by an organization desperate to regain its relevance in Australian politics. On the other, it raises questions about whether Ilic’s brand of satire can effectively translate into meaningful policy change.
Ilic’s background is undeniably impressive – he’s a seasoned comedian and activist with a track record of taking on high-profile targets. As executive producer on ABC comedy shows like Tonightly with Tom Ballard and creative director at GetUp in 2014, Ilic demonstrated his ability to think creatively and drive campaigns forward. His commitment to using satire to challenge the status quo is admirable – pairing facts with jokes can be a powerful way to blow up people’s assumptions.
The real test will be whether Ilic can navigate GetUp out of its current rut. The organization has struggled to regain momentum since its anti-Adani campaign in 2019 fell flat, and donations plummeted under Scott Morrison’s leadership. It’s not just a matter of scaling up existing tactics – as Ilic acknowledges, the key to success will be building an engaged membership base.
GetUp showed some life with its recent activism around Pauline Hanson’s National Press Club address. The stunt sparked a surge of donations and membership growth for the organization, but it also raised questions about whether this approach would resonate with a broader audience. Ilic seems to think that pushing the needle is key – as he puts it, Australian politics moves too slowly.
However, GetUp’s history with satire isn’t always a success story. The infamous “Cribs” sketch Ilic filmed in 2006, where he posed as David Hicks, was widely criticized for its tone-deafness and lack of nuance. While it may have raised some much-needed awareness about Guantanamo Bay, the stunt ultimately backfired.
Ilic’s challenge is clear: can he use his unique brand of satire to reignite GetUp’s spark and make it relevant again in Australian politics? The stakes are high – not just for GetUp, but for the entire progressive movement. Will Ilic be able to pull off the impossible, or will GetUp continue to struggle to find its footing? One thing is certain: we’ll all be watching closely as this drama unfolds.
GetUp’s future hinges on more than just banners and stunts – it needs a clear vision for what success looks like. And right now, that vision seems shrouded in uncertainty.
Reader Views
- TCThe Cafe Desk · editorial
The appointment of Dan Ilic as GetUp's CEO is a Hail Mary pass in my opinion. While his background in satire is undeniably impressive, it remains to be seen whether he can translate that into tangible policy change. One thing that concerns me is the lack of transparency around how GetUp will measure its success under Ilic's leadership. Will they be relying on metrics like social media engagement or actual policy wins? The organization needs clear goals and a nuanced understanding of what constitutes effective activism in today's political landscape.
- RVRohan V. · home roaster
While Dan Ilic's appointment is a bold move for GetUp, it's worth noting that the organization's reliance on satire can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has helped to mobilize attention and outrage in the past. On the other, its over-reliance on gimmicks has sometimes overshadowed more nuanced policy work. With Ilic at the helm, GetUp needs to strike a balance between cleverness and substance – pushing boundaries without losing sight of what truly matters: meaningful policy change that resonates with everyday Australians.
- BOBeth O. · barista trainer
Dan Ilic's appointment as GetUp CEO is both a bold move and a calculated risk. While his background in satire is undeniably effective, it's worth considering whether that approach can be adapted to meet the nuances of policy change. GetUp's struggles to regain momentum post-Adani campaign are a stark reminder that scaling up tactics isn't enough – building an engaged membership base that can translate enthusiasm into sustained action will be Ilic's true challenge.