Moving the National Cultural Policy forward

This week there were some major ministerial announcements around the development of the National Cultural Policy (NCP), including a review of the Australia Council. It is widely expected that the Government will announce new ideas and programs that the Australia Council will deliver as part of the NCP.

The Australia Council has welcomed this opportunity to review its programs, and we all look forward to positive outcomes, not only for the organisation itself but for artists, especially those struggling in the small to medium dance sector. This assumes, of course, that the Australia Council will be properly resourced to deliver any new programs.

Also announced by the Prime Minister—and in our opinion, not so positive—is the removal of the Arts portfolio from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to the Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government. When we enquired about the rationale for this change to ministerial arrangements we were told that it was 'a positive step for the Arts that would assist the delivery of the National Cultural Policy'.

If you want to know more, we suggest you ring either Angela Dorizas on 0408 685 557 or Glen Atwell on 0403 949 599.