The Morrison Government has reiterated its vow to back Australian live music, but questions are still being asked about its commitment to the country's performance industry.
As promised this past weekend, Tuesday night's 2019 Budget reveal included $30.9 million in funding for the Australian music industry, which Live Performance Australia (LPA) Chief Executive, Evelyn Richardson, called "a significant and well overdue investment".
"... We are pleased to see the Government recognise the economic and cultural importance of our music sector which is worth close to $1 billion locally plus cultural exports of $6 billion," Richardson said.
“The $30.9 million package announced in the Budget will support the domestic live music scene through supporting live music venues and providing critical investment for indigenous music, a women in music mentor program and exports."
However despite the good news for the local music industry, Richardson says the LPA are "disappointed" the Budget did not outline plans for "live performance or the creative industries more broadly".
"LPA put forward a number of proposals to Government in its Budget submission to support new Australian content, drive industry development and job creation for our $2.5 billion live performance industry," Richardson said.
"Each year more than 23 million people attend a live performance in our capital cities, regional centres and country towns. Live performance promotes Australian talent and creativity across a range of genres, and is a major driver of our visitor and night time economy, attracting visitors from interstate and overseas to see performances or attend festivals.
"It’s time for the Morrison Government to commit to a broader, bolder vision and some significant long term, strategic policy initiatives that support its future growth."
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