Classification Board
The Classification Board is made up of a director, a deputy director, other board members and temporary board members.
The Director of the Classification Board is responsible for the management and oversight of the Classification Board and its decision-making processes. The Director reports to the Australian Parliament on the activities of the Classification Board.
Under the Classification Act 1995, a person may be appointed as a temporary member of the Classification Board. A register of people suitable for temporary appointments is maintained and drawn on from time-to-time to provide short-term assistance in handling the workload of the Classification Board. Terms of appointment may be as short as one day and may extend to three months.
The Classification Board operates on a majority-based decision-making procedure. It is important that members can communicate their views clearly and appreciate and contemplate the views of others. Members are mindful of their statutory requirements to make decisions that are good in law.
The Classification Board’s focus for 2025-26 is outlined in our corporate plan on a page. The plan sets out the Board’s purpose, vision, and strategic goals.
Current Board members
Steven Thomson
Director
Appointed: 9 December 2024
Appointment expires: 31 December 2026
Steven Thomson has more than 15 years’ leadership experience in Federal and State Government and most recently served as Acting Executive Director, People and Corporate Services with the Greater Cities Commission in NSW. Prior to this, he held leadership roles with the Australia Council for the Arts, including Director, Strategy and Planning.
He has represented his local community on Waverley Council's Public Art Committee and as a community representative on Waverley's Heritage Assessment Expert Panel.
Steven holds a Master of Arts in Archaeology and a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology both from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
He lives in Sydney with his wife, two children and whippet Rubin.
Dominique Irlinger
Deputy Director
Appointed: 2 May 2025
Appointment expires: 31 December 2026
Dominique Irlinger has worked in the cinema industry for over 20 years, including as CEO and Operations Manager of the IMAX Sydney, and National Programming Manager of Dendy Cinemas.
He is a volunteer at Hunar, a not-for-profit association engaged in cultural inquiry and its intersections with society, politics, identity, gender and race.
Dominique holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Literature from La Sorbonne, and has taught French in a Chinese University.
He is also a certified Personal Trainer who loves climbing, bouldering, watching NBA games, rugby union and baking cookies and cakes for his wife and toddler.
Hellen Perko
Appointed: 31 August 2023
Appointment expires: 31 December 2026
Hellen Perko is a Fine Art and Heritage Valuer, with broad career experience in the arts sector, including leadership roles at auction houses and art galleries. She holds a Master of Art Administration from University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Fine Arts from the University of Sydney.
Fluent in both Croatian and Serbian languages, Hellen fosters a deep cultural awareness and a strong connection to non-English speaking communities.
She finds inspiration in travel, immersing herself in diverse cultures whenever possible. Hellen is the devoted owner of a gentle black and white Border Collie.
Lauren Monaghan
Appointed: 28 March 2024
Appointment expires: 31 December 2026
Lauren Monaghan is a communications specialist whose previous roles span magazine publishing, content marketing and corporate communications across a unique assortment of fields – from agricultural research and development to politics, cooking and the world of parenting. Before joining the Board, Lauren was the Director of Communications and Engagement for the NSW Legislative Council.
Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Media and Communications from the University of Sydney. In addition to being a horror movie enthusiast, in her spare time, she enjoys pottering around her garden, where she grows sweet potatoes, macadamia nuts, and five different citrus varieties.
Current part-time Board members
Jennifer Marvello
Appointed: 4 April 2022
Appointment expires: 31 December 2026
Jennifer Marvello, now retired from full-time employment, lives in the south-western suburbs of Sydney. She holds a Certificate IV Training & Assessment and Certificate IV Government Administration and has trained Customs Officers in drug detection technologies, interpretation of x-ray images, and identification of prohibited imports and exports.
After enjoying many years in human resources, particularly rehabilitation and case management, Jennifer moved to the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department where she developed and delivered training to industry assessors making classification decisions.
She has been involved in her community as a long-term fundraising chair at Kingsgrove Public School and the Kingsgrove Cricket Club.
Temporary Board Members
Under the Classification Act, the Minister has authorised the Director to appoint a person to be a temporary member of the Classification Board following their initial appointment by the Minister. A register of people suitable for temporary appointments is maintained and drawn on from time-to-time to provide short-term assistance in undertaking the work of the Board. Terms of appointment may be as short as one day and may extend to three months. The statutory limit of seven years also applies to temporary Board members.
Maria Cosmidis
Maria Cosmidis is an Independent Decision Maker for the National Redress Scheme. She sits on the NSW Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, and the Medical Council of NSW as a community representative.
Maria is from a non-English speaking background and previously served on the SBS Community Advisory Committee and the Advertising Standards Board. She holds a Masters of Management from the University of Technology Sydney, and a Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney.
Gayle Peres da Costa
Gayle Peres da Costa practices as a medical defence lawyer part time, and engages in voluntary work. She migrated to Australia from India as a child, and her four adult children have led her to have a strong involvement in her local community.
Gayle enjoys studying Italian, preferably by immersion method.
Tamara Markus
Tamara Markus has over 10 years’ experience in broadcast television, having worked in sales, commissioning and documentary film production in both Sydney and London. She currently works as a legal researcher.
Tamara holds a Juris Doctor from University of New South Wales and was recently admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales. She also holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and International Law.
Evalena Chilas
Evalena Chilas is a university student studying Arts and Business at the University of New South Wales, and also works as a Membership Engagement Officer at a trade union.
She has had extensive leadership roles and active voluntary involvement in Greek cultural, university, dance, and artistic groups, such as Pontoxeniteas NSW and UN Youth Australia, and youth advisory roles for Canterbury-Bankstown Council. Evalena was also a recipient of the Order of Australia Association (NSW) Youth Community Service Award, and continues to stay active in her communities.
With this community focus at the core of all of her work, she has had experience leading volunteer teams in creative and event coordination roles and in receptionist and customer service roles. Evalena’s creative passions include traditional Greek, hip-hop and contemporary dance, as well as attending her weekly choir and monthly book club.
Guineviere Klevjer
Guineviere Klevjer brings over 15 years’ experience in the film and digital media industries, specialising in documentary filmmaking, content analysis and leading production teams.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Media from the College of Fine Arts, University of New South Wales and has shared her expertise by teaching film and editing at several institutions across Sydney.
Outside of her professional work, Guineviere has two young and hilarious children who keep her entertained and well connected with her community.
Stephen Walker
Stephen Walker, has pursued a varied career, starting out as a junior engineer and exploring diverse industries including finance, transport, fire safety infrastructure, and sales. Stephen’s qualifications include a Diploma in Finance (Mortgage Broking), a Diploma in Engineering, and a Certificate IV, Training and Assessing.
Stephen is an active life member of his local soccer community and manages two of his childrens’ soccer teams. He is also involved in the school community. Stephen has lived and worked locally and abroad, and currently resides in Sydney with his wife and three children, aged between seven and 13.