Community Radio And Australia Council To Take A Hit From Federal Budget

The Australia Council and community stations around the country better buckle up. 

Last night's 2015 Federal Budget saw the continuation of the Administered Program Indexation Pause for another two years which means that the community broadcasting sector will have to cope with further cuts to the more than 440 community radio stations in the country.

Community Broadcasting Association of Australia President Adrian Basso claims the Government are continuing to withdrawal their support for community stations, even though almost five million Australians aged fifteen years and over listen to community radio each week.

"The community broadcasting sector lost over $1 million in Australian Government funding support through the initial impact of the Administered Program Indexation Pause and now faces a further substantial loss through its extension" Basso said. 

"If the pause continues, the Government risks the slow demise of some in our sector, which contributes so much to the cultural life of Australia. Community stations, particularly the two thirds of community radio stations that operate in regional and remote areas, cannot absorb the pause forever and, over time, this will see services lost."

Similarly, the Australia Council has had almost $105 million stripped from its funding to establish a new grants program run by the Federal Arts Ministry. 

According to SMH, a statement released today says the Council will give "careful consideration" to its priorities, though it will remain "committed to supporting Australian artists and arts organisations." 

Australian Theatre For Young People artistic director Fraser Corfield said that he fears smaller organisations will fall by the way side with the changes.

"My fear is that it will disproportionately advantage the larger, better connected arts organisations and companies," he said.

 "Looking at the youth theatre sector, which is nationally the smallest and least funded of arts organisations, it's going to be very difficult to get traction in that sort of funding environment."