George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, I'm sorry, Senator Cormann. In fact, there has been no reduction in arts funding of any substance this year. But what we have done is we have broadened access to arts funding so that individuals, organisations, arts practitioners who were unable to get funding through the Australia Council will now be able to get funding.

I can tell you that in the last 24 hours, Senator Gallacher, the reaction in the sector has been extremely enthusiastic. Let me refer you to some of the reactions, Senator Gallacher. Li Cunxin, the much respected Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet, said: 'What a brilliant initiative. My sincere congratulations and well done.' Jonathan Mills, the internationally renowned Australian festival director, said: 'I applaud this initiative and the minister is to be congratulated for supporting the festival sector.' Rob Brookman, the CEO of the State Theatre Company of South Australia, said: 'I have no doubt that this will see fantastic results.'

So what this does, Senator Gallacher, is it broadens access. The Australia Council will still be the principal arts funding body in Australia. It will be responsible for about 88 per cent of arts funding. But nobody thinks that monopolies are a good idea. This gives opportunities to people who did not have them before.