Ursula Stephens (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Prime Minister for Social Inclusion) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the Senate for its support of this legislation and I thank Senator Kemp for his contribution. I know how much he enjoyed being minister for the arts and we heard some of the reasons why this afternoon.

The bills before us, the Screen Australia Bill 2008, the National Film and Sound Archive Bill 2008 and the Screen Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2008, result in the creation of a single, direct funding body, Screen Australia, to bring key film and television support agencies under one roof. This will provide a one-stop shop for obtaining funding for all aspects of filmmaking, together with simpler processes and guidelines and greater flexibility to respond quickly to new or emerging priorities.

As evidenced by the recent public consultation process on the draft legislation, there is widespread support for the merged agency. These changes to direct funding mechanisms, which will come about as a result of the creation of Screen Australia, together with the introduction of the producer offset, provide a solid framework within which the Australian film and television industry can move forward. They are clear evidence of this government’s strong commitment to the industry. It is the government’s hope that this package will lead to an increase in the number of stories that can engage Australian and international audiences and enable the development of a more prosperous and sustainable film industry in Australia.

The bill to establish the National Film and Sound Archive as a new statutory authority will afford it an opportunity to take its place as an independent national collecting institution responsible for preserving, maintaining and providing access to some of our most treasured screen and sound icons. The new archive will expect to provide strong leadership to the archival community in Australia and engage internationally on significant archival issues. It will have a high public profile and build community awareness and appreciation of our cultural heritage, preserved through moving images and sound recordings. The government is very pleased to be able to implement this election commitment for which the archival community has long lobbied and looks forward to working with the archive to build on its already formidable reputation for excellence. I commend the bills to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bills read a second time.