24th November, 2024

The Victorian Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee is running an inquiry into the cultural and creative industries in Victoria. The inquiry was established in 2023 but is now close to the deadline for submissions (10th January) and presumably some hearings and a report can be expected in 2025.

The terms of reference are relatively narrow for this kind of inquiry, encompassing specific issues including “Victoria’s share of national arts and cultural spending….the ongoing financial sustainability of arts training organisations; and whether state and federal policies and spending are sufficient to support the industries following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.” There are specific references to the balance of funding for public broadcasting and the ‘seven’ (there are in fact eight) national performing arts training organisations (three of the eight, Australian National Academy of Music, National Institute of Circus Arts, and the Australian Ballet School are based in Victoria).

Submissions are due on 10th January. Read more

Terms of Reference

That the Economy and Infrastructure Committee resolves under Standing Order 23.04(3) that, given the economic and social significance of Victoria’s cultural and creative industries, for the Committee to inquire into, monitor and report, by November 2024, on —
(1) the economic and social impact of the Commonwealth Government’s Australian cultural policy, Revive, on Victoria’s arts and cultural industries including, in particular, Victoria’s share of national arts and cultural spending;
(2) regional Victoria’s share of national arts and cultural spending;
(3) the importance of spending in the Victorian economy and the cultural dynamism and representation in Victoria of government funded national broadcasters, the ABC and SBS, and, in particular, whether these broadcasters are spending in Victoria a share of their budget that matches the size of Victoria’s population, economy and unique place within national cultural life;
(4) the ongoing financial sustainability of the seven national performing arts training organisations including whether Victoria’s share of this funding is adequate; and
(5) whether the Revive policy and relevant state government policies and spending provide sufficient support and impetus to rebuild and sustain Victoria’s cultural and creative industries following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sector.