AAANZ welcomes news that Shadow Minister for the Arts Tony Burke will spearhead a new national cultural policy if elected to government on Saturday 21 May. Acknowledging that a new direction was needed to give the arts the support it needs, Burke stated that a Labor national cultural policy would be informed by wide consultation with the sector and local and state governments, bringing ‘new drive, direction and vision to Australia’s arts sector’ which has significantly suffered following years of cut backs under the Coalition Government.
Beginning with restoring ‘arts’ as part of a named government department, Labor announced its intention to revive cooperation between federal, state and local governments in support for the arts; ensure arms-length funding for artists, projects and organisations and to place First Nations art and culture at the centre of the sector.
Stating that a cultural policy is ‘a broad, comprehensive roadmap for Australia’s arts and culture that touches all areas of government, from cultural diplomacy in foreign affairs to health to education’, an Albanese Labor Government will continue the legacy of previous Labor governments and develop ambitious, ground- breaking policy that contributes to the enrichment of all Australians.
You can read more about Labor’s plans and the funding commitments already made to the sector: