Parliament votes to revive Australian arts and culture

The revival of Australia’s arts and culture sector is one step closer, with the Albanese Labor Government today passing the first piece of legislation to implement Australia’s new National Cultural Policy, Revive.

Revive empowers Australia’s artists and arts organisations to thrive and grow – unlocking new opportunities, reaching new audiences and telling stories in compelling new ways.

It will bring drive, direction and vision back to the $17 billion industry – which employs an estimated 400,000 Australians – after a lost decade of federal policy drift and funding neglect.

Backed by $286 million in dedicated funding over four years, Revive’s centrepiece is the establishment of Creative Australia.

Creative Australia will be the Government’s new principal arts investment and advisory body.

The governing body of Creative Australia will continue to be known as the Australia Council.

The legislation passed by the Parliament today transfers Creative Partnerships Australia – the agency responsible for fostering philanthropy in the arts – across to Creative Australia from 1 July 2023.

This will secure the future of philanthropy in the sector, while complementing the work Creative Australia will do.

The arts has always been supported with funding from government, philanthropy and the commercial sector. This legislation brings two of those together – government and philanthropy. The third – commercial – will be brought in through the establishment of Music Australia and the Centre for Arts and Entertainment Workplaces.

Arts Minister Tony Burke said this is the first step towards reviving Australia’s arts and culture sector.

“Revive will renew and revitalise Australia’s arts and cultural sector – after a decade of cuts and neglect.

“Philanthropy will always have a place in the sector and today’s legislation ensures we strengthen that connection.

“The next step is the establishment of Music Australia and the Centre for Arts and Entertainment Workplaces within Creative Australia.”

To read the National Cultural Policy in full, visit: www.arts.gov.au/culturalpolicy