With the Turnbull government being called on to provide more incentives to support Australian live music, Live Performance Australia (LPA) has put forward a number of recommendations to get the ball rolling.
LPA's 2018-19 budget outlines ways to drive innovation and job creation in Australia's $2.5 billion live performance industry.
The proposal includes providing tax incentives on pre-production costs, establishing a major seed fund ($20 million over four years) for original Australian works and putting more money into international tours.
"After years of funding cuts and a lack of strategic direction, the Turnbull Government now has an opportunity to support innovation, creativity and growth across our live performance industry through these sensible and targeted budget measures," LPA Chief Executive, Evelyn Richardson, said.
"Australia’s live performance industry supports over 34,000 jobs in metropolitan and regional areas and makes a significant economic contribution as well as contributing to our social and cultural wellbeing and diversity.
"With the right support and policy settings, these budget initiatives will support the growth and sustainability of live performance in Australia, stimulating investment in new and original productions, and improve access to Australian live performance talent in regional areas and international markets."
See the budget proposals below and click here to see LPA's full budget submission.
- Provide tax incentives on pre-production costs for live productions to assist Australian producers finance the staging of new productions
- Establish a major seed fund ($20 million over four years) for original Australian works
- Provide an additional $5 million over four years for international touring of Australian productions
- Provide an additional $14 million over four years to Playing Australia and establish a digital distribution and access fund
- Introduce a tax relief measure allowing charitable organisations to claim back the tax deduction on gift donations
