Post by Niemmy on May 9, 2007 19:29:37 GMT -5
Media Statement - 9th May 2007
The Howard Government has delivered a Federal Arts Budget bereft of ideas for the future.
This Budget sees the government playing catch-up, finally addressing the backlog of funding problems that have bedevilled the sector, but staying silent on the potential of arts and creativity in the future.
After years of intense engagement from the Australian film industry, major performing arts groups and the small-to-medium sized sector, the Government has finally moved to provide them with urgently required support and financial reform.
Federal Labor welcomes these long overdue measures.
The potential stimulus for the film production sector under the new arrangements gives hope that this industry can now bloom - we certainly have the talent here to build a vibrant film industry.
However, if the arts sector is to finally move beyond the all too familiar situation of funding crisis after funding crisis then the Government must develop a sustainable funding model for the whole industry.
What’s missing in this Budget is the lack of strategic focus for creative industries policy, the failure to recognise regional arts and the absence of any significant reform of the tax and welfare systems for artists who suffer perpetually low incomes.
Additionally, there is no indication of the critical role that arts education can play in inspiring our young people and developing the next generation of artists, arts audiences and supporters.
Last year it was the orchestras, Australian Ballet and Sydney Dance Company; this year it’s the film industry and small-to-medium performing arts companies.
The past pattern of reviews, reports and recommendations, stretching beyond the previous Minister, means again this Budget is nothing more than repair and rescue.
The Howard Government has delivered a Federal Arts Budget bereft of ideas for the future.
This Budget sees the government playing catch-up, finally addressing the backlog of funding problems that have bedevilled the sector, but staying silent on the potential of arts and creativity in the future.
After years of intense engagement from the Australian film industry, major performing arts groups and the small-to-medium sized sector, the Government has finally moved to provide them with urgently required support and financial reform.
Federal Labor welcomes these long overdue measures.
The potential stimulus for the film production sector under the new arrangements gives hope that this industry can now bloom - we certainly have the talent here to build a vibrant film industry.
However, if the arts sector is to finally move beyond the all too familiar situation of funding crisis after funding crisis then the Government must develop a sustainable funding model for the whole industry.
What’s missing in this Budget is the lack of strategic focus for creative industries policy, the failure to recognise regional arts and the absence of any significant reform of the tax and welfare systems for artists who suffer perpetually low incomes.
Additionally, there is no indication of the critical role that arts education can play in inspiring our young people and developing the next generation of artists, arts audiences and supporters.
Last year it was the orchestras, Australian Ballet and Sydney Dance Company; this year it’s the film industry and small-to-medium performing arts companies.
The past pattern of reviews, reports and recommendations, stretching beyond the previous Minister, means again this Budget is nothing more than repair and rescue.