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New Arts Minister Plans To Implement Crean’s Policy

Gillard gives arts to Tony Burke

The newly-appointed Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke has indicated that he intends to implement Simon Crean's National Cultural Policy.

After Crean committed political suicide last week, there were concerns over the much-anticipated policy given it had lost its figurehead. Today Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that Member for Watson Tony Burke, also Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water and Population and Communities, will add the arts portfolio to his existing roles.

Following the announcement he tweeted, “Simon Crean produced an inspiring cultural policy in Creative Australia. It's an honour to implement it as Arts Minister.”

Further comment has been sought from the Minister.