Live Performance Australia has welcomed today’s passage of legislation establishing Creative Australia and putting in place measures to deliver the Albanese Government’s National Cultural Policy Revive.
LPA has been advocating for a refreshed mandate for the Australia Council for several years, which includes a stronger connection to the live arts and entertainment industry and its commercial outcomes. The commercial sector, including contemporary music and musical theatre, supports around two-thirds of audience attendance and revenue.
The new Creative Australia agency, including bodies such as Music Australia and Creative Workplaces, should help achieve a closer partnership between industry and government in supporting Australia’s cultural and creative industries and those who work in them.
Live Performance Australia President, Richard Evans AM, said the sector looked forward to working closely with Creative Australia on its implementation of the initiatives set out in Revive, and supporting its role as the national agency for our cultural and creative industries.
‘We congratulate Minister Tony Burke on bringing the Government’s policy commitments to fruition with the passage of the legislation, which clears the way for Creative Australia to commence from 1 July.’
‘This heralds a new phase in public policymaking and investment in Australian creativity, for the benefit of artists, creative workers, businesses and audiences,’ he said.
LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson said: ‘We are still recovering and rebuilding from the hugely disruptive and damaging impacts of COVID-19, compounded by an increasingly challenging business and economic environment.
‘The establishment of Creative Australia comes at a critical time for our live arts and entertainment industry. The new agency will have a vital role in putting in place the strategic policy and investment arrangements that will support our recovery and future success,’ Ms Richardson said.
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Media contact: Matt Francis 0467 777 220
