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Peak industry body Live Performance Australia (LPA), has called on the Federal Government to hand back funds to deliver jobs and growth for the live performance industry in the upcoming Federal Budget.

Speaking in advance of the 3rd May budget, LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson (pictured below) stated “the Government and Treasurer have stated that the upcoming Budget will be focused on jobs and growth.

“We are very concerned that due to the unprecedented funding cuts to the Australia Council last year and impending funding announcements next month, we expect to see 40% of our small to medium companies lose funding and face going under.

“That’s 18 to 20 companies that won’t be creating new productions, hundreds of people out of work and lost revenue.

“These cuts will have huge flow on effects impacting all parts of our industry including the major companies and commercial sector. We are particularly concerned about losing our creative and technical talent who may be forced to go offshore for work and career development opportunities.

“We may also see a decline in new Australian works and international touring. These outcomes will be in sharp contrast to the Government’s claims to be supporting innovation, economic growth and job creation.

“If the Government is serious about an innovation agenda designed to deliver growth and jobs we expect to see the Budget return the $72.8 million over four years it took from the Australia Council last year so that our major funding body can deliver its Strategic Plan, including investing in the small to medium sector.

“We would also expect to see any Catalyst money not committed rolled over to ensure that new projects can be supported. The Government allocated $12 million per annum for four years but to date has only announced $1.6 million in projects. The Government must commit to delivering the rest of the Catalyst funding. We do not want to see Government pocket more than $10 million that it allocated to our industry.

“The live performance industry employs 34,000 people and generates gross output of $2.5 billion. It supports more than 500 performing arts companies around Australia, and attracts more than 18 million Australians to shows in capital cities, regional centres and country towns.

“More Australians in a year will see a live show than AFL, NRL, A-League, Super Rugby, Test Cricket and the Big Bash combined ... so it’s time for the Government to step up and deliver.”

LPA is the peak body for Australia’s live performance industry. Established in 1917 and registered as an employers’ organisation under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009, LPA has over 400 members nationally.

Main image courtesy of the Brisbane Powerhouse.

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