'The Political Attack On The Arts Over,' New Minister For The Arts Tony Burke Makes First Statement
"Australia’s arts and entertainment sector has a government that cares about it. A government that doesn’t see the arts as an optional extra but as fundamental to our society and national identity."
Australia's newly appointed Minister For The Arts Tony Burke has made a strong statement with his first statement to the arts, stating "The nine-year political attack on the arts and entertainment sector is now over."
The member for Watson, which includes Sydney suburbs of Greenacre, Kingsgrove, Roselands, Ashfield and more has had a long admiration for the arts, serving as its minister in 2013, with 7 years as Shadow Arts Minister.
"I am honoured Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed me to the role of Minister for the Arts – a role I’ve held before and am deeply passionate about," he stated.
"The nine-year political attack on the arts and entertainment sector is now over. The neglect, the contempt and the sabotage of the previous government has ended.
"I am determined to deliver a better future for Australia’s creative sector. These are important jobs that deliver the essentials of Australian culture. This is a sector that has been hit hard by COVID-19 and rebuilding will take time. I don’t intend to waste a moment."
He also announced that he would be working thoroughly on the development of a new national cultural policy, "the first step is developing a comprehensive cultural policy to bring drive, direction and vision back to the sector.
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"In the coming months I will embark on a thorough, nationwide consultation in each State and Territory to inform this cultural policy. It is important for us to get this right - but speed is of the essence."
Burke closed the statement by reassuring that the current government, has the art sector's back.
"Australia’s arts and entertainment sector has a government that cares about it. A government that doesn’t see the arts as an optional extra but as fundamental to our society and national identity."
Burke was heavily outspoken throughout the pandemic in support of the music industry in its biggest time of crisis.
He advocated for a Government backed insurance scheme to cover cancelled events in the House of Representatives. He quotes that 23 000 gigs have been cancelled since the 1st of July aswell as Bluesfest's cancellation two years in a row.
"We have a situation where festivals are now wondering whether they can take the risk to put themselves forward again."
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