AlphaFit
AUSTRALIAN MADE. FIT FOR PURPOSE. Based on the Gold Coast, AlphaFit is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Australian gym equipment specifically for the commercial, strength and conditioning,…
read moreThe 2023/24 Federal budget delivered by Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has generated a mixed response from industry bodies with Live Performance Australia (LPA) welcoming new funding commitments while Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Australia has expressed disappointment at the raising of the Passenger Movement Charge (PMC).
With $535 million in funding for Australia’s cultural institutions having been announced last month LPA acknowledged that the budget reaffirms a long-term vision for Australian arts, entertainment and creativity but expressed concern that it still underplays the critical role of industry-led initiatives in rebuilding a workforce severely impacted by the pandemic.
LPA acknowledged new funding of $9 million for the eight national training organisations, including those which support the performing arts. However, there is scope for industry to play a much larger role in rebuilding our creative workforce.
LPA Chief Executive, Evelyn Richardson advised “our industry is grappling with a critical shortage of skilled workers across the breadth of roles and occupations which bring live arts and entertainment to Australian audiences.
“We would like a much stronger commitment from the Federal Government to funding for both industry-led traineeships and grants to help attract, retrain and retain the skills that are needed to bring live performances to Australians in our cities, regions and country towns.
“Initiatives such as the Commonwealth’s investment in fee-free TAFE courses are very welcome in building the future workforce over the medium to longer term.
“However, there is no substitute for on the job and workplace-based learning and development. The fastest and most efficient way to rebuild our workforce is through industry led initiatives with government support.”
Richardson said the National Cultural Policy, Revive, contained many positive initiatives, including the establishment of Creative Australia from 1st July 2023 and new investment in First Nations arts and culture, contemporary music and literature.
Tourism tax will force travellers to pay more
With the PMC raised $10 to $70 per passenger, TTF was unhappy that the cost of travel for Australians and international visitors will rise from July next year, warning that the increase will be a major setback for the industry, potentially putting jobs at risk.
Advising that it would make it harder for the tourism to recover, TTF Chief Executive, Margy Osmond stated “this will make it even more difficult for tourism to bounce back, as cost-of-living pressures increase and as the industry rebuilds from the devastating impacts of the Covid pandemic.
“It will also make it more expensive for international tourists to come to Australia, at a time when we’re desperately trying to attract more visitors, with Australia’s international tourism levels still below pre-Covid levels.
“However, we are pleased the government has listened to industry and used real common sense by not introducing the increase until the 1st of July, 2024 to enable the aviation sector to adequately prepare for the implementation of the increase.”
Osmond said the industry is calling for a five-year freeze on any future increases to provide certainty for the tourism sector, which has had more than its share of upheaval since Covid hit in early 2020.
She added “as we continue to recover from the biggest event to impact the tourism industry in recent memory, the freeze will be critically important to give the industry much-needed certainty.”
Business groups, including the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised the “fiscal restraint” of the budget while the Australian Local Government Association advised that it represented a solid investment in local government, welcoming the $3.1 billion in Financial Assistance Grants to be provided to councils in the coming 12 months.
Sport and exercise peak bodies have not yet commented on the budget.
Images: Live performance at the Sydney Recital Hall (top, credit: Sydney Recital Hall) and TTF Chief Executive Margy Osmond (below credit: TTF).
10th May 2023 - Australian Treasurer predicts budget surplus while delivering funds for arts, events and sport
10th May 2023 - 2023 Federal Budget allocates significant funding for environmental repair projects
9th May 2023 - Federal budget set to deliver further $500 million for Brisbane Olympics but no funds for Victoria’s Commonwealth Games
7th May 2023 - Australian Regional Tourism calls for investment to support agritourism development
6th May 2023 - Six Queensland ecotourism projects to share in $9.2 million state government funding
5th May 2023 - Melbourne secures hosting of Australian Tourism Exchange 2024
3rd May 2023 - NSW Government looks to raise cap on concert events at the SCG and Allianz Stadium
29th April 2023 - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces $300 million funding for new Tasmanian stadia
27th April 2023 - ATEC spotlights need for budget boost to help in recovery of Australia’s inbound tourism
26th April 2023 - Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta national parks to receive extra $262.3 million in Federal Budget
6th April 2023 - TTF fears that cost-of-living pressures will impact Easter spending
4th April 2023 - Federal budget to include $535 million funding injection for Australia’s cultural institutions
27th March 2023 - Live Performance Australia welcomes new NSW Government
30th January 2023 - Live Performance Australia and Australian Live Music Business Council among stakeholders welcoming new National Cultural Policy
30th January 2023 - First Nations and new arts body the heart of Federal Government’s new cultural plan
26th December 2022 - TTF calls for working holiday visa age limit to be raised to 50
7th December 2022 - Live Performance Australia calls for national skills and careers pathway for live arts and entertainment industry
6th December 2022 - New TTF data shows rising domestic intrastate tourism spending
22nd October 2022 - Victoria’s live music sector receives $11 million in funding
22nd August 2022 - South Australian Government reveals $10 million fund to back live music and festivals
31st May 2022 - Leading promoters fearful of rising cost pressures on live music
30th March 2022 - Live Performance Australia says Federal Budget falls short in helping the arts and entertainment industry to rebuild
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