Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley has expressed deep concern about the Federal Government’s latest cuts to funding for the arts and screen industries.
The cuts total $87.5 million and were announced as part of the Federal Government’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO).
This includes $35 million slashed from Screen Australia’s budget, which has now has seen a $51.5 million reduction in its budget since 2014-15.
There were a further $9.6 million in cuts to arts programs, and major national cultural institutions were short-changed to the tune of $36.8 million.
The latest funding cuts come on top of earlier cuts in May’s federal budget to both the Australia Council for the Arts and Screen Australia, undermining the country’s arts, film and television sectors.
The May cuts to the Australia Council, totalling $104 million over four years, were the subject of a Senate Inquiry. The Inquiry’s report, released earlier this month, recommended the full restoration of funding.
Instead of restoring funding, the Federal Government cut even further.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“I share the deep concern and disappointment of Victoria’s screen and arts sectors. These cuts hurt the creative capital and undermine our talented artists and filmmakers.”
“With a significantly reduced budget capacity, the Council’s most recent funding round has been a devastating blow to Australia’s youth arts sector.”
“Over the past seven months I’ve been proud to see Victoria’s creative community stand up against the Federal cuts and articulate their immense contribution to our country and our way of life.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021