Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Before I ask this motion be taken as formal, I would like to add Senator Bilyk as a co-sponsor to the motion, which relates to the contribution of the arts sector and the gutting of the department by this government. I, and also on behalf of Senator Bilyk, move:

That the Senate—

(a) condemns the Government's continued attack on the arts sector, which contributes $111 billion to the Australian economy annually;

(b) calls for the Federal Government to restore funding to the arts, which has been continually devalued and neglected since the Coalition Government was elected in 2013; and

(c) acknowledges the deep and valuable contribution of the arts to the Australian spirit and sense of community, which is in desperate need of repair after this summer of devastating fires.