EXCLUSIVE: Government Considering Funding Venue Backlines

On the eve of the Federal Budget, Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke has branded his policy discussions with music industry professionals as some of the best he's experienced.

Burke was thrown into the middle of the contemporary music discussion when Simon Crean lost the portfolio as the result of a leadership challenge. Burke previously told theMusic.com.au that he plans to implement Crean's National Cultural Policy, which was announced just weeks before Burke took the post, and in the last fortnight held two dinners in Sydney and Melbourne to generate policy ideas.

“The two nights combined have created one of the best policy conversations I have ever been part of,” he told theMusic. “There were big differences in opinions in some areas but a shared love of live music in every view."

Representatives from the management, peak bodies, unions, ARIA and media industries were present at the dinners, with ideas surrounding funding for venue backline and regional touring discussed.

“I have had some people working flat out on some ideas that have come purely as a result of these conversations. I'm still working them up so I won't be able to go into much detail yet, but rest assured my style is to not waste a minute. I have loved live music all my life, right now I have a chance to make a difference for it, and I intend to.”

It is understood that the National Cultural Policy is fully-funded in the budget but the Minister was unable to comment on Budget specifics until it is announced tonight.